Luhut Reluctant To Withdraw Haris And Fatia's Report Even Though It Was Recommended By The DPR

Haris Azhar at Metro Jaya Police/Photo: VOI

JAKARTA - Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment (Menko Marves) Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan is reluctant to withdraw the defamation report, with two human rights activists reported, Haris Azhar and Fatia Maulidiyanti. Although previously Commission III of the DPR had advised Coordinating Minister Luhut to take the peaceful method.

Luhut's attorney, Juniver Girsang, stated that the revocation of the report or the peace process would not be carried out because his party had tried their best to find a solution even though it still failed.

"Yes, how do we withdraw the report, it has already been processed. We respect this legal process," said Juniver, Tuesday, March 22.

Juniver explained that the step to ask for clarification on the untrue statements from the two reported parties had never been carried out even though his party had sent two letters.

"Twice have sent letters, instead clashing opinion with opinion. Then when the police were called for mediation twice, they were not present, they said we were short on time," he explained.

According to Juniver, his client as Coordinating Minister for Marves with many agendas still makes time for mediation. However, he said, this opportunity was not respected by Haris Azhar and Fatia.

"So then there is no good faith, okay. The efforts we have made are maximal, of course we are looking for justice where else if not in court," he said.

Even if this case goes to court, added Juniver, his client will attend every summons by the court.

"I will provide clear and open information witnessed by the public in front of the panel of judges," he said.

Previously, member of Commission III of the DPR RI from the NasDem faction, Taufik Basari, suggested the Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Panjaitan to withdraw the report against activists Haris Azhar and Fathia Lubis Maulidiyati who were suspected of being involved in the defamation case.

At least, said Taufik, this case can be resolved peacefully through a restorative justice mechanism. Because the alleged defamation case involves people who are in the circle of power.

"Although the pretext is that this is a personal matter, it is difficult to avoid the public perception that this case is a case of the rulers versus the people who are fighting for the people's right to information," Taufik told reporters, Monday, March 21.

According to him, Coordinating Minister Luhut would be wiser to use other media to defend himself or provide an explanation. As the aggrieved party, said Taufik, you can exercise your right to clarify, either through a statement of objection or even if necessary through similar research.

On the other hand, continued the man who is familiarly called Tobas, Fathia-Haris can open space through the same channel for the objection. There are still other paths that can be taken to solve it,” explained the NasDem legislator. Taufik proposed two ways to solve the problem. First, the revocation of the report by the complainant. Second, the police encourage the settlement of peace through restorative justice.

Taufik hopes that the police will consider and review the proposal, in order to maintain democracy and public trust in fair law enforcement.