Sympathy For The Thieves, Prosecutors In Aceh Apply Restorative Justice

Illustration/Photo: Antara

BANDA ACEH - The Sabang District Attorney's Office (Kejari) used a restorative justice approach in solving a case of outboard engine theft involving the suspect ARM in Sabang City, Aceh.

The head of the Sabang District Attorney's Office, Choirun Parapat, said that ARM, who is listed as a freelance daily worker at the Sabang City Tourism Office, admitted that he was forced to steal a boat outboard engine on August 8, 2021.

The boat engine was sold by the suspect to a newly identified fisherman for IDR 20 million. The suspect is planning to use the money to take his mother to the hospital for treatment.

"The suspect, ARM, is from a simple family who has been taking care of his elderly mother alone, suffering from heart disease and undergoing outpatient treatment because he does not have medical expenses," said Choirun Parapat in Sabang City, Monday, March 7.

Therefore, he said the Public Prosecutors of the Sabang Kejari had exposed the application for restorative justice in the case on behalf of the suspect ARM in violation of Article 362 of the Criminal Code.

The submission took place virtually, led by the Deputy Attorney General for General Crimes (Jampidum) at the Indonesian Attorney General's Office, Fadhil Zumhana. Also witnessing the Head of the Aceh High Prosecutor's Office, Bambang Bachtiar, and the Aspidum Kejati Aceh Djamaluddin.

Restorative justice is chosen to enforce the law for the benefit of humanity.

"After the Public Prosecutor of the Sabang Kejari conducted mediation efforts between the suspect and the victim, finally the victim was willing to make peace and forgive the suspect," he said.

In fact, he continued, after being traced that the suspect had committed a crime for the first time and it was done in a state of compulsion to pay for the treatment of his mother who suffered from heart disease and could only lie limp at home.

"While the suspect himself has been taking care of his mother alone, besides that the stolen items have been returned in one piece to the victim," he said.

Therefore, the Sabang Kejari has considered the reasons for applying for restorative justice based on Perja Number 15 of 2020 concerning Termination of Prosecution Based on Restorative Justice, as well as Circular Letter of the Attorney General of the Republic of Indonesia Number 01/E/EJP/02/2022 concerning Implementation of Termination of Prosecution Based on Restorative Justice.

The Jampidum of the Attorney General's Office, he said, had approved the restorative justice and entrusted a message to all levels of prosecutors in the regions to carry out restorative justice professionally, conscientiously, and pay attention to regulations.