Corruption Of Hundreds Of Millions, Duo Of Ex-Kades-Beharana In South Nias Sentenced To 1.5 Years In Prison

The presiding judge Sulhanuddin read out the verdict at the Medan District Court, North Sumatra, Monday (26/6/2023) (ANTARA/M Sahbainy Nasution)

The panel of judges at the Medan District Court on Monday sentenced former Acting Village Head Lahusa Fau, Fanayama District, South Nias Regency (Nisel) Antonioman Manaraja and treasurer Berkat Telaumbanua to one year and six months in prison in a corruption case.

"In addition, the two defendants were subject to a fine of Rp. 50 million or if the fine was not paid, it was replaced with imprisonment for two months," said Chief Judge Sulhanuddin as quoted by ANTARA, Monday, June 26.

The panel of judges assessed that the two defendants were proven to have violated Article 3 paragraph (1) in conjunction with Article 18 of Law No. 31 of 1999 which was amended by Law No. 20 of 2001 concerning Amendments to Law No. 31 of 1999 concerning Eradication of Criminal Acts of Corruption in conjunction with Article 55 paragraph (1) to 1 of the Criminal Code.

"The aggravating thing for the two defendants did not participate in the government's program in eradicating corruption and causing losses to state money. Meanwhile, the mitigating factors between the two defendants were the backbone of the family and were polite in the trial," said Sulhanuddin.

In addition, said Sulhanuddin, the defendant Antonioman Manaraja was charged a replacement money (UP) of Rp. 194 million with the provision that a month after the case had permanent legal force, his property was confiscated, then auctioned off.

"If later it is also not sufficient to cover the UP, then the two defendants will be replaced with imprisonment for one year," he said.

Likewise, Thanks to Telaumbanua, an UP of Rp. 175,235,000 was imposed, provided that a month after the case had permanent legal force, his property was confiscated, then auctioned off. If later it is also not sufficient to cover the UP, then the two defendants will be replaced with imprisonment for one year.

This decision is lighter than that demanded by the Public Prosecutor from the South Nias District Attorney for six years and a fine of Rp. 200 million, subsidiary to imprisonment for three months.