Judge Sentences Juliari Batubara To Pay Replacement Money Of IDR 14.5 Billion And Revocation Of Political Rights, KPK Appreciates

JAKARTA - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) appreciates the decision of the panel of judges which gave additional penalties in the form of payment of replacement money and revocation of political rights against former Social Minister Juliari Peter Batubara.

"We appreciate the additional criminal decisions in the form of imposition of substitute money and the revocation of the right to be elected in public positions as we stated in the order," said Acting KPK Spokesperson for Enforcement, Ali Fikri, to reporters, Monday, August 23.

It is hoped that this additional sentence will provide a deterrent effect for perpetrators of corruption.

"It is also an effort to optimally recover assets resulting from criminal acts of corruption," said Ali.

Furthermore, the KPK will study the entire content of the panel of judges' considerations to determine the next steps. However, they are still waiting for a copy of the full verdict from the court.

"KPK is determined to continue to work hard, carrying out the tasks of eradicating corruption," he said.

As previously reported, Juliari was sentenced to 12 years in prison for the bribery case for the procurement of COVID-19 social assistance (bansos) in the Greater Jakarta area. The former PDI-P politician was also sentenced to a fine of Rp. 500 million, subsidiary to 6 months in prison.

"The defendant was sentenced to prison for 12 years and a fine of Rp. 500 million, subsidiary of 6 months," said presiding judge Muhammad Damis in a trial at the Corruption Court, Jakarta, Monday, August 23.

Not only the prison sentence, the panel of judges also required Juliari to pay a replacement fee of Rp. 14,597,450,000, subsidiary of 2 years in prison. In fact, Juliari's political rights were revoked for 4 years.

"Imposing additional penalties to the defendant to be elected in public office for four years after the defendant has finished serving the main sentence," said Damis.

He was declared legally and convincingly proven to have committed a criminal act of corruption and violated Article 12 letter b Jo Article 18 or Article 11 Jo Article 18 of the Corruption Eradication Law in conjunction with Article 55 paragraph 1 to 1 of the Criminal Code in conjunction with Article 64 paragraph 1 to 1 of the Criminal Code .