Ahead Of The Verdict, Hasto Kristiyanto Hugs His Wife In The Courtroom

PDIP Secretary General Hasto and his wife, Maria (DOK Rizky AP/VOI)

JAKARTA - PDIP Secretary General Hasto Kristiyanto seemed to hug his wife, Maria Stefani Ekowati, shortly before undergoing a verdict reading hearing on the alleged bribery case of interim replacement (PAW) of the DPR and the obstruction of the investigation related to fugitive Harun Masiku.

The incident took place in the Kusuma Atmadja courtroom, Jakarta Corruption Court, Friday, July 25.

Hasto, who had just entered the room, greeted a number of colleagues and supporters who were present, before finally approaching his wife who was sitting on the right side of the courtroom.

"Ma'am...," said Hasto as he walked closer.

He then hugged Maria, who replied with a soft kiss on her cheek. The short moment full of warmth took place in the midst of the high tension of the trial, as if it were a symbol of mutual strengthening, whatever the verdict the panel of judges will pass. After that, Hasto returned to the defendant's seat to hear the verdict.

In this case, the Public Prosecutor (JPU) charged Hasto with imprisonment for 7 years, as well as a fine of Rp600 million. If the fine is not paid, it will be replaced with a sentence of six months in prison.

Prosecutors stated that Hasto and advocate Donny Tri Istiqomah, former PDIP cadre Saeful Bahri, and Harun Masiku had given bribes of Rp600 million to Wahyu Setiawan, who at that time served as KPU Commissioner.

The goal is for Wahyu to seek interim replacement (PAW) for DPR members from the South Sumatra electoral district I from Riezky Aprilia to Harun Masiku, for the 2019 '2024 period.

Not only bribes, Hasto was also charged with obstructing investigations. He is said to have ordered Harun, through the staff of the Aspirational House named Nur Hasan, to submerge his cell phone into the water after the KPK's Hand Catch Operation (OTT) against Wahyu Setiawan.

In fact, Hasto is also suspected of asking his aide, Kusnadi, to drown his personal cellphone as a form of anticipation if the KPK investigators confiscate it.

For his actions, Hasto was charged with violating Article 21 and Article 5 paragraph (1) letter a or Article 13 of Law Number 31 of 1999 concerning the Eradication of Criminal Acts of Corruption which was amended by Law Number 20 of 2001 Juncto Article 65 paragraph (1), Article 55 paragraph (1) 1st, and Article 64 paragraph (1) of the Criminal Code.