Mardani Maming Was Sentenced To 10 Years, KPK: Criminalization And Political Accusations Only Perceptions

The defendant in the alleged bribery case for mining business permits in Tanah Bumbu, Mardani H Maming, wore a KPK prison vest on Thursday, July 28. (Between-Akbar NG)

JAKARTA - Former Tanah Bumbu Regent Mardani H. Maming was sentenced to 10 years in prison by the Corruption Court at the Banjarmasin District Court (PN). This sentence was appreciated by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK).

Head of the KPK News Section, Ali Fikri, said that Mardani's verdict proves that accusations of criminalization that have been heard inappropriately. Moreover, the KPK has been working according to legal mechanisms and procedures.

"The accusation of certain parties against the KPK with the KPK narrative has criminalized and is political in every case settlement, only subjective perceptions are built without the legal basis they have," Ali told reporters, Friday, February 10.

"The decision confirms that what the KPK has avoided in the law enforcement process for corruption in this case is in accordance with legal mechanisms and procedures," he continued.

Furthermore, Ali appreciated the panel of judges on duty. They are considered objective in examining and adjudicating the alleged bribery of the mining permit that ensnared Mardani.

Mardani was sentenced to 10 years in prison today, Friday, February 10. He was found guilty of accepting bribes.

In addition to corporal punishment, he is also required to pay a fine of Rp. 500 million. "With the provision that if it is not paid, it will be replaced with imprisonment for four months," said the Panel of Judges at the Banjarmasin District Court.

Mardani was also required to pay a replacement money of Rp110 billion, which if not paid was replaced with imprisonment for 2 years.

This verdict is lower than the prosecutor's demands. Prosecutors demanded that Mardani be sentenced to 10 years and 6 months in prison with a fine of Rp. 700 million, subsidiary to 8 months and pay compensation of Rp. 118 billion, subsidiary to 5 years in prison.