Panel Of Judges' Consideration To Sentencing Joko Tjandra Heavier Than Prosecutors' Demands

Joko Tjandra (Photo: ANTARA)

JAKARTA - The panel of judges stated that Joko Tjandra had legally and convincingly committed bribes and gratuities against law enforcement officials. The conviction of the panel of judges was based on two considerations.

The presiding judge in the trial of gratification cases for handling fatwas of the Supreme Court (MA) and bribery for the removal of red notices, Muhammad Damis said that for burdensome considerations, the criminal act committed by Joko Tjandra involved law enforcement officials.

"The defendant's actions did not support the government in preventing and eradicating corruption, collusion, and nepotism. The actions were carried out as an effort to avoid court decisions that have permanent legal force. Bribery was carried out to law enforcers," Damis said during a trial at the Corruption Court, Jakarta, Monday, April 5.

Meanwhile, for mitigating matters, it was only because Joko Tjandra was always cooperative in the trial. Thus, the attitude addressed by Joko Tjandra was taken into consideration.

"The defendant was polite during the trial and the defendant was an elderly man," he said.

Joko Tjandra was found guilty in a case of gratification in the processing of a Supreme Court (MA) fatwa and bribery for the removal of a red notice. So, Joko Tjandra was sentenced to imprisonment for four years and six months.

"Therefore, imposing a sentence on the defendant is punishable by imprisonment of 4 years and 6 months," said chief judge Muhammad Damis.

In addition, the judges also sentenced Joko Tjandra to a fine of Rp. 100 million, a subsidiary of 6 months in prison.

In this case, Joko Tjandra gave US $ 500 thousand to prosecutor Pinangki Sirna Malasari through his brother-in-law, Herriyadi Angga Kusuma, and Andi Irfan Jaya.

The money was given as a down payment for plans to administer the law he was facing in the form of a Supreme Court (MA) fatwa through the Attorney General's Office. This is because the Pinangki prosecutor asked Joko Tjandra for 1 million US dollars.

The aim of this legal action is that Joko Tjandra can return to Indonesia. Meanwhile, in the case of removing red notice, Joko Tjandra is believed to be guilty of giving money to Brigadier General Prasetijo Utomo and Inspector General Napoleon Bonaparte.

Brigadier General Prasetijo was given 100 thousand US dollars. Meanwhile, Inspector General Napoleon was given 200 thousand and 370 thousand US dollars. The money was distributed through businessman Tommy Sumardi.