Haris Azhar-Fatia Not Attending Mediation, Luhut: Better To Meet In Court

Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Panjaitan (Photo: Rizky AP/VOI)

JAKARTA - Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan said he no longer wanted to mediate with Haris Azhar and Fatia in the alleged defamation case. In fact, Luhut stated that it would be better if the case went to trial immediately.

"If the process is complete, I have conveyed it. I think it's better to meet in court, there's no problem," said Luhut at the Polda Metro Jaya, Monday, November 15.

The reason for his refusal to mediate as a settlement of the case, said Luhut, was because the reported parties were never present at the mediation invitation. Thus, the legal process is considered the best solution in its settlement.

"You don't have to go to court," said Luhut.

In fact, Luhut stated that the trial process would prove who was guilty. Thus, the issues circulating will be proven true.

"Later, if he is wrong, if I am wrong, it will be wrong," said Luhut. The mediation process was delayed twice. Where, during the first schedule on October 21, the mediation process had to be postponed because the investigation team was on duty.

Then, the mediation process which was rescheduled for November 1 was canceled. Because Luhut was in Italy accompanying President Joko Widodo at the G20 Summit.

This case began when Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan reported Haris Azhar and Fatia to the Polda Metro Jaya. This report relates to Haris Azhar and Fatia's statements on YouTube content. Where, the video content is entitled 'There is Lord Luhut Behind Intan Jaya's Economic Relations-Military Ops, BIN General Also Exists'.

In the report, Haris Azhar and Fatia are suspected of violating Article 45 in conjunction with Article 27 of the ITE Law. Not only criminal, Luhut will also sue Haris Azhar and Fatia Maulidianti in a civil manner.