Bansos Fund Corruption, Juliari Peter Batubara Sued 11 Years In Prison, Rp500 Million Fine

Former Minister of Social Affairs Juliari Batubara (Photo: ANTARA)

JAKARTA - Former Minister of Social Affairs (Mensos) Juliari Peter Batubara was sentenced to 11 years in prison for the alleged bribery case for the procurement of social assistance (bansos) COVID-19. Juliari was also charged with a fine of Rp. 500 million, subsidiary to 2 years in prison.

"The sentence is in the form of imprisonment for 11 years reduced while the defendant is in detention and a fine of IDR 500 million, subsidiary of six months in prison," said the public prosecutor (JPU) during the trial, Wednesday, July 28.

In addition, Juliari is also required to pay a replacement money of Rp. 14.5 billion. Otherwise, his property will be auctioned off.

"Stipulates that the defendant pays compensation to the state in the amount of Rp. 14,567,450,000 if it is not replaced a month after the sentence has permanent legal force, then the property can be auctioned off, if it is not sufficient, the prosecutor will be sentenced to 2 years," said the Prosecutor.

In that decision, the prosecutor also considered various things. Ranging from lightening to aggravating things.

For mitigating considerations, Juliari has never been convicted. While the considerations are burdensome, Juliari is considered not to support the government's program to eliminate corruption.

"The actions of the defendant as the Minister of Social Affairs do not support the government's program to create a government that is free from collusion, corruption and nepotism. The defendant was complicated in giving statements, the defendant did not admit his actions," said the prosecutor.

"The defendant's actions were carried out during an emergency condition of the COVID-19 pandemic," continued the prosecutor.

With these demands and considerations, the prosecutor believes that Juliari Peter Batubara has been legally and convincingly proven to have committed a criminal act of corruption. His actions were consistent with the first indictment.

"Declare that the defendant is proven legally and convincingly according to the law guilty of committing a criminal act of corruption as regulated and punishable by a criminal offense in Article 12 letter b Jo Article 18 or Article 11 Jo Article 18 of the Law on the Eradication of Criminal Acts of Corruption in conjunction with Article 55 paragraph 1 to 1 of the Criminal Code Jo Article 64 paragraph 1 to 1 of the Criminal Code," said the prosecutor.