ICW: Life Sentence Alone Is Not Enough For Juliari Batubara

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

JAKARTA - Indonesia Corruption Watch (ICW) urges a panel of judges on corruption at the Central Jakarta District Court to sentence Juliari Peter Batubara to life imprisonment. This is because his actions on suspicion of bribery in the provision of social assistance (bansos) are detrimental to the community.

"ICW urges that the panel of judges hearing the social assistance corruption case can sentence Juliari P Batubara to life in prison," said ICW researcher Kurnia Ramadhana in her statement, Monday, August 23.

Kurnia also explained the four main reasons for the insistence. First, Juliari, who was suspected of committing a criminal act of corruption while serving as Minister of Social Affairs.

"Juliari committed a crime while holding a position as a public official. Therefore, based on Article 52 of the Criminal Code, Juliari's sentence must be increased," said Kurnia.

Both Juliari committed corruption allegations during the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, at that time people really needed help from the government.

"The social assistance bribery practice was carried out in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. This shows how much corruption by Juliari has had an impact, both in terms of economy and health, for the community," he said.

The three Juliari up to the time of the last trial had never confessed to their actions. In fact, all the accused bribery, namely Ardian and Harry, have been legally and convincingly proven to have bribed Juliari.

Finally, the imposition of severe punishment can be a reflection of the other party. So, no one dares to practice corruption in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic situation.

"ICW also reminded the panel of judges that Article 5 of the Law on Judicial Power has emphasized that judges must understand the sense of justice that lives in society. Therefore, justice for victims of social assistance corruption must be the main consideration of the panel of judges before making a decision against Juliari," said Kurnia.

In fact, he said, by looking at Juliari's actions, a life sentence alone is not enough. The panel of judges, he said, must also add other penalties such as replacement money and revocation of political rights.

"Life in prison is not enough for a former corrupt official like Juliari," he said.

Meanwhile, the Public Prosecutor of the KPK demanded Juliari 11 years in prison in the alleged bribery case for the procurement of social assistance (bansos) COVID-19. 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 Rp14.5 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.

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