Rejecting Ferdy Sambo's Appeal, Judge PT DKI Calls The Death Penalty Still Valid In Indonesia

The atmosphere of Ferdy Sambo's first appeal hearing in the premeditated murder case at PT DKI Jakarta last week (Rizky AP/VOI)

JAKARTA - The panel of judges at the DKI Jakarta High Court (PT) does not agree with Ferdy Sambo's memorandum of appeal regarding the death penalty as a verdict during the first instance trial. Because, the sanction is a positive punishment and still applies in Indonesia. "Normatively, the death penalty is still valid in the Criminal Code, precisely in Law Number 1 of 2023. Although, its application was carried out selectively by looking at various factors. Moreover, the Constitutional Court had rejected a material review regarding the application of the death penalty in Indonesia. The reason was, because it did not conflict with the constitution. Then, the 1945 Law did not adhere to the validity of human rights. That is, the application of the sentence is still relevant. "Thus, the difference regarding whether or not the judge imposes the death penalty does not need to be put forward again," said the judge. Previously, the DKI Jakarta High Court decided to reject the appeal application filed by Ferdy Sambo in the case of alleged premeditated murder against Yosua alias Brigadir. Thus, the death sentence given at the first level court was confirmed.

Then, in its decision, the panel of judges ordered that Ferdy Sambo remain detained at the Police Mobile Brigade Headquarters, Kelapa Dua, Depok. "Strengthen the decision of the South Jakarta District Court number 796/PID.B/2022/Pn.Jaksel dated February 13, which was requested for an appeal," said Chief Justice Singgih Budi Prakoso.