KPK Expects Judge To Convict Juliari Of Guilty In Bansos Bribery Case And Sentence 11 Years

Illustrations (Irfan Meidianto/VOI)

JAKARTA - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) believes that the Jakarta Corruption Eradication Court panel of judges will impose an 11-year sentence on the convict in the alleged bribery case for the procurement of COVID-19 social assistance (bansos) in Greater Jakarta, Juliari Peter Batubara.

Not only that, but the anti-corruption commission also believes that the judge granted other demands against the former Minister of Social Affairs in the form of a fine of Rp500 million, subsidiary of 6 months in prison; the obligation to pay compensation of Rp14.5 billion subsidiary to two years of confinement; and revocation of political rights for four years after serving a sentence.

"We are confident and optimistic that all the demands of the KPK Prosecutor's Team will be granted by the judge," said Acting KPK Spokesperson for Enforcement, Ali Fikri, to reporters quoted on Monday, August 23.

The KPK also hopes that the judicial analysis from the KPK prosecutors will be taken over by the panel of judges. "So that the defendant is declared valid and convincing (guilty, ed) according to the law," said Ali.

As previously reported, the Corruption Court's Panel of Judges will read out the verdict against former Social Minister Juliari Peter Batubara on Monday, August 23 at around 10:00 western Indonesia time and broadcast it on YouTube.

In this case, the KPK prosecutor demanded Juliari 11 years in prison in the alleged bribery case for the procurement of social assistance (bansos) COVID-19. This lawsuit was filed because he was proven guilty of accepting bribes of Rp32.4 billion from 10 companies providing basic food assistance.

Not only that but the former Minister of Social Affairs was also charged with a fine of Rp500 million, subsidiary to 2 years in prison. He was also required to pay compensation to the state of IDR 14.5 billion as additional punishment.

If Juliari is unable to pay the replacement money, later his assets will be auctioned off to pay the replacement money. If the proceeds from the auction of his assets are insufficient, he could be sentenced to an additional two years' imprisonment.

Furthermore, the former PDI-P politician was also sentenced to an additional sentence of revocation of the right to be elected in public office for 4 years after the defendant finished serving his main sentence.

In the lawsuit, 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, he is considered not to support the government's program to eliminate corruption, to be complicated in providing information, and to commit violent acts in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.