Free Sentence Judge Former Head Of BPN Toba Corruption Defendant

Former Head of the National Land Agency (BPN) Toba Saut Simbolon/ANTARA

The panel of judges at the Medan District Court, North Sumatra, Monday acquitted the former Head of the National Land Agency (BPN) Saut Simbolon who was charged with committing a criminal act of corruption in the development of Lake Toba transportation in the 2017 budget.

In addition, Daulat Napitupulu and Lumongga Marsaulina Aruan, who are recipients of land compensation, were also acquitted by the panel of judges.

"Releasing the three defendants from all charges of public prosecution. Ordering the public prosecutor to immediately remove the defendant from the detention cell, as well as restoring the rights of the defendants in their abilities, positions, dignity and dignity," said Chief Justice Dahlan at the Medan District Court as reported by ANTARA, Monday, June 5.

According to the panel of judges, the prosecutor was inconsistent in determining the land rights that had been compensated to the defendants Daulat and Lumongga to be planned as a center for regular repairs and maintenance of transportation vessels in the Lake Toba area in Parparean II Village, Porsea District, Toba Regency.

" Consultants from PT Dok Bahari Nusantara are not authorized to determine whether the land or area in the lake or river border belongs to the state," explained the panel of judges.

Likewise, the Ministerial Regulation (Permen) of Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR) Number 28/PRT/M/2015 of 2015 concerning the Determination of the Sempadan River and Sempadan Lake Border Lines, and does not regulate the matter of the border area as state-owned land.

Likewise with Presidential Regulation (Perpres) No. 60 of 2021 concerning the Saving of Lake Toba National Priority, it does not regulate the boundaries of state property.

After hearing the verdict of the panel of judges stating that the three defendants were free, the Public Prosecutor's team from the Tobasa Kejari would appeal.

Previously, Saut Simbolon was charged by the Public Prosecutor for four years and a fine of Rp. 200 million. Meanwhile, Daulat Napitupulu and Lumongga Marsaulina Aruan were charged with six years and six months a fine of Rp. 200 million.