Kadispenad Affirms James Makapedua The Defendant Of Fraud Has Been Fired From The Indonesian Army

Kadispenad Brigadier General Kristomei Sianturi/DOK Dispenad

Responding to a viral video about a defendant with the alleged fraud case claiming to be an active TNI AD member who served in the Cijantung Kopassus, Head of the Indonesian Army Information Service (Kadispenad) Brigadier General Kristomei Sianturi provided clarification regarding the defendant's membership status.

Kadispenad emphasized that the man in the viral video, namely James Makapedua, had been dishonorably dismissed from the Army military service.

Therefore, the defendant's statement claiming to be an active TNI AD soldier is not true.

"Brother James Makapedua has been dishonorably dismissed (PDTH) from the army service of the Indonesian Army based on the Decree of the Army Chief of Staff number: Kep/14/II/2008 dated February 11, 2008. The reason for his dismissal is because the person concerned has committed a desertion and a double marriage," said Brigadier General Kristomei Sianturi in a statement, Tuesday, August 6.

He also explained that James Makapedua's last rank was a Sergeant

Head (Serka).

While in the trial at the Tangerang District Court, the defendant was seen wearing the Field Service Clothing (PDL) of the Indonesian Army with the rank of Pelda complete with the red Baret of Kopassus, which he should not have worn considering his dishonorable dismissed status from the Indonesian Army.

"Because Mr. James Makapedua is no longer a member of the Indonesian Army, he is not entitled to wear the TNI uniform or attributes anymore. Meanwhile, for the trial in the general court, it is correct, because Brother James is already a civilian," said the Head of Dispenad.

For information, the case that ensnared James Makapedua is currently a case of alleged fraud or embezzlement. The second trial is scheduled to take place on August 12, 2024 at the Tangerang District Court.