Haris Azhar-Fatia Become Suspects Of Defamation Of Coordinating Minister Luhut, Arsul Sani Hopes There Is A Restorative Approach

Deputy Chairman of MPR Arsul Sani (Photo: DOK VOI/Nailin In Saroh)

JAKARTA - Member of Commission III of the DPR RI, Arsul Sani, hopes that there will be a restorative approach in handling the legal case that ensnared Haris Azhar and Fatia. In this case, both have been named suspects for alleged defamation of Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan.

The restorative approach is an approach that is more directed at the conditions for creating justice and balance for both perpetrators of crimes and victims.

"As a member of Commission III, I hope that the case of Fatia and Haris Azhar can be resolved with a restorative justice approach, even though the suspect has been determined," Arsul said in his statement, Sunday, March 20.

From the legal process that has been running, investigators have indeed tried to take a restorative justice approach, but have not succeeded.

Therefore, Arsul hopes that the Prosecutor's Office as the prosecution institution will seek to return to this restorative approach. Bearing in mind, Attorney General ST Burhanuddin has encouraged the expansion of case resolution based on a restorative approach.

"Hopefully, our law enforcers, including the judiciary, will be reluctant to open a restorative justice approach because this coincidence involves a state official who has influence in this country," said Arsul.

On the other hand, Luhut continued, this case will also more or less affect the assessment of the quality of democracy and the space to criticize public officials. "This also needs to be seen by our law enforcement officers," he added.

The police have named activist Haris Azhar and KontraS Coordinator, Fatia Maulidiyanti, as suspects for alleged defamation of the Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan.

In this case, Luhut reported Haris Azhar and Fatia Maulidiyanti for the circulation of a video entitled "There is Lord Luhut Behind Intan Jaya's Economic Relations-Military Ops" on Haris Azhar's YouTube account.

Furthermore, investigators from the Ditreskrimsus Polda Metro Jaya will schedule an examination of Haris and Fatia. Both will be examined on Monday, March 21.