Former Director General of the Ministry of Finance Isa Rachmatarwata Divonis 1.5 Years in Prison

JAKARTA - The Corruption Court (Tipikor) at the Central Jakarta District Court sentenced former Director General of the Ministry of Finance's Budget Isa Rachmatarwat to 1.5 years in prison in a corruption case in the management of PT Asuransi Jiwasraya (Persero).

The panel of judges stated that Isa was proven to be legally and convincingly guilty of committing a corruption crime together as charged by the public prosecutor.

"Therefore, the defendant Isa Rachmatarwata is sentenced to imprisonment for 1 year and 6 months," said Presiding Judge Sunoto when reading the verdict at the Central Jakarta District Court, Wednesday, January 7, reported by ANTARA.

In addition to imprisonment, the panel of judges also imposed a fine of Rp. 100 million with the provision that if the fine is not paid, it will be replaced with imprisonment for three months.

In the verdict, the panel of judges stated that there were a number of aggravating factors, including the defendant's actions did not support the government's program in eradicating corruption.

In addition, the defendant's actions as a regulator are considered to have paved the way for PT Asuransi Jiwasraya to continue to operate and market products even in the event of insolvency, which ultimately resulted in losses for policyholders.

However, the panel of judges also considered a number of things that mitigated the defendant, including never having been convicted and being polite and cooperative during the trial process.

Another thing that relieves the defendant is not receiving or enjoying any material benefits from the case. In addition, the decisions taken by the defendant were made in a situation of global financial crisis in 2008 which had an impact on the stability of the national financial system.

Another mitigating factor is that the defendant is considered to have contributed to the development of regulations and strengthening of the insurance industry during his tenure and also the defendant is elderly.

In this case, Isadinyatakan violated Article 3 in conjunction with Article 18 of the Corruption Criminal Law in conjunction with Article 55 paragraph (1) of the Criminal Code as charged by the public prosecutor.

Reporter : Fianda Sjofjan Rassat