PDIP Politician Kenneth Values Hasto Case Is Loaded With Political Charges, Hopes Light Or Free Verdicts

JAKARTA - Member of the PDI-P (PDIP) faction of the DKI Jakarta DPRD, Hardiyanto Kenneth, is disappointed with the demands of seven years in prison against PDIP Secretary General Hasto Kristiyanto by the prosecutor for the alleged bribery case for the management of the DPR for the 2019-2024 period and the obstruction of Harun Masiku's investigation.

"As cadres, we are sad and disappointed. But we still respect the demands of the public prosecutor," Kenneth told reporters, Thursday, July 3.

Kenneth assessed that the public prosecutor (JPU) did not show the findings of evidence or witnesses who clearly stated that Hasto was involved in obstructing the investigation.

Kenneth also hopes that the Panel of Judges can consider these facts in taking decisions. "We hope that the Panel of Judges can sentence them free or give their lightest verdicts," he said.

On the one hand, Kenneth alluded to President Prabowo Subianto's statement emphasizing the importance of judge integrity and rejecting all forms of bribery or intervention.

"Pak Prabowo really cares about the judges as representatives of God. This is a good intention and we hope to bring the justice system towards true justice," he said.

Furthermore, Kenneth also ensured that PDI-P cadres and sympathizers remained solid in supporting Hasto.

"Until today he is still our Secretary General, and we will defend him until the last drop of blood," he concluded.

In this case, Hasto was charged by the Public Prosecutor (JPU) with 7 years in prison. In addition, the prosecutor also charged Hasto Kristiyanto with a fine of Rp. 600 million. If it is not paid, it will be replaced with a prison sentence of 6 months.

"The defendant Hasto Kristiyanto was sentenced to 7 years in prison," said Prosecutor Wawan Yunarwanto.

Meanwhile, Hasto was jointly charged with advocate Donny Tri Istiqomah, former PDIP cadre Saeful Bahri, and Harun Masiku were charged with giving bribes of Rp 600 million to Wahyu Setiawan (KPU commissioner) in the 2019-2020 period.