Tomorrow's Verdict Reading, SYL Diligently Prays

Syahrul Yasin Limpo/DOK PHOTO: Rizky Adytia-VOI

JAKARTA - Former Minister of Agriculture (Mentan) Syahrul Yasin Limpo (SYL) has recently often spent his time worshiping in detention centers.

The activity from SYL was conveyed by his legal adviser, Djamaluddin Koedoeboen, who was questioned about his readiness to face the reading of the verdict or verdict in the case of alleged extortion and acceptance of gratuities within the Ministry of Agriculture (Kementan), Thursday, July 11.

"He, first, mostly in mosques. Apart from praying, Koran also heard lectures from ustaz. Yes, he is more focused on surrendering to Allah SWT in connection with this trial, for tomorrow's verdict. So everything is left to Allah," said Djamaluddin to reporters, Wednesday, July 10.

He also said that SYL hoped that the panel of judges handling his case would decide freely. Because, during the trial process, the former Minister of Agriculture believed that there was no fact that proved himself ordering the collection of funds or sharing.

Moreover, his condition has decreased because he is elderly, it is also hoped that he can reduce any decision from the panel of judges.

"We hope that he will be released, the consideration is simple because in fact the facts of the trial, none of them pointed to him regarding orders, were ordered, related to the gathering," he said.

On the other hand, Djamaluddin also said that his client was actually very fragile during the trial process. However, SYL tried to be strong in dealing with it for his family.

"He is actually only, yes, an official, a former official, yes, a person who is also a figure in South Sulawesi, so of course he wants to show his toughness, determination in public, but actually as an ordinary human being, of course, he is actually fragile," he said.

"It's just that earlier, he didn't want public disappointment, there was family disappointment, because it could have other impacts, so yes, he just showed it, he was strong in facing it all," continued Djamaluddin.

In the case of extortion and gratification, Syahrul Yasin Limpo was sentenced to 12 years in prison and a fine of Rp. 500 million, subsidiary to 6 months in prison. He was also asked to pay compensation of around Rp. 44 billion and US$ 30 thousand.

The claim was made because the prosecutor believed that SYL violated Article 12 letter e in conjunction with Article 18 of Law of the Republic of Indonesia Number 31 of 1999 concerning Eradication of Corruption in conjunction with Article 55 paragraph (1) of the 1st Criminal Code (KUHP) in conjunction with Article 64 paragraph (1) of the Criminal Code