Actor Sandy Tumiwa has apologized following a legal warning (somasi) from his ex-wife, Tessa Kaunang, after he posted an AI-generated image of her wearing a hijab. According to Tumiwa in an interview with detikcom on July 6, 2026, the image was intended as a compliment and not to mislead the public regarding Kaunang’s religious beliefs.
Why did the AI-generated image lead to a legal warning?
The conflict began when Sandy Tumiwa uploaded an edited photo showing Tessa Kaunang in a hijab. While Tumiwa described the act as a “good intention” and a compliment on her appearance, Kaunang responded with a formal legal notice rather than a private request to remove the content.

Tumiwa told detikcom at the Studio Pagi-pagi Ambyar Trans TV that he had attempted to communicate via WhatsApp, stating, “I’ll tell her, ‘You look beautiful in this (headscarf).'” However, he expressed surprise that the response was a somasi, noting that the two have experienced a significant gap in communication.
How is the “AI Consent” debate evolving in celebrity relationships?
This incident highlights a growing trend where AI tools are used to alter a person’s image to fit a specific narrative or aesthetic. Tumiwa denied that the post was meant to suggest Kaunang had become a convert (mualaf), asserting that his praise was purely about her looks.
The tension here lies between the creator’s intent and the subject’s right to their own image. According to Tumiwa, he believed he had “permission” or that the gesture was harmless. The legal response from Kaunang suggests a strict boundary regarding digital representation and religious identity.
The Role of Digital Consent
Modern digital ethics emphasize that consent for an image is not a blanket approval. Even in a co-parenting relationship, the use of AI to change a person’s appearance—particularly regarding religious attire—can be seen as an infringement on personal autonomy.

What happens next for Tumiwa and Kaunang?
Despite the legal friction, Sandy Tumiwa has chosen a path of reconciliation. He publicly acknowledged Kaunang’s role as the mother of their two children, describing her as the “strongest race on earth” due to the sacrifices of pregnancy and motherhood.
“If we fight, we fight hard, but we won’t win,” Tumiwa stated to detikcom. He expressed a desire for better communication to ensure the comfort and peace of their children, emphasizing that no contribution he makes to the children can compare to that of their mother.
FAQ: AI Images and Legal Disputes
Can an AI-edited photo lead to a lawsuit?
Yes. If the image is perceived as misleading, defamatory, or a violation of privacy (such as altering religious identity), it can result in a legal warning or a lawsuit.
What is a ‘somasi’ in the Indonesian legal context?
A somasi is a formal legal notice or warning sent by one party to another, demanding the fulfillment of an obligation or the cessation of an action before a formal lawsuit is filed.
Why is the context of the hijab significant in this case?
In many cultures, the hijab is a symbol of faith. Altering an image to include one can falsely imply a religious conversion, which is a sensitive matter that may lead to public misunderstanding.
What are your thoughts on the use of AI to alter images of others without their consent? Should the intent of the poster matter more than the reaction of the subject? Let us know in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for more updates on digital ethics and celebrity news.




