ABK Fandi Escapes the Death Penalty, Sentenced to Five-Year Prison Term in Two-Tonne Meth Case

Fandi Ramadhan, an ABK aboard the Sea Dragon, escaped the threat of the death penalty after the Batam District Court panel of judges handed down a five-year prison sentence in the case involving the smuggling of two tonnes of methamphetamine while sailing in the waters around the Riau Islands. The trial was held on Thursday, 5 March 2026. The presiding judge, Tiwik, stated: ‘Sentencing the defendant Fandi Ramadhan to a prison term of five years,’ as he read the verdict in the Batam District Court courtroom. The sentence is far lighter than the prosecutors’ demand for the death penalty. After the verdict was read, the courtroom atmosphere became noisy. Fandi received a warm embrace from his mother, while the panel urged all parties to remain calm so the trial could continue. Fandi’s lawyer, Bahtiar Batubara, said his side is still considering further legal steps. ‘Because our case is based on the evidence in court and we want to be free, but that depends on the family later. We were given seven days to consult,’ he said. The public prosecutor (JPU) also indicated they are still weighing the five-year sentence. After the trial, Fandi’s family were visibly distraught and attempted to approach the defendant, but court security and prosecutors’ teams quickly escorted Fandi to a detainee vehicle. Hasbiallah Ilyas urged law enforcement authorities to be transparent in handling the case of Fandi Ramadhan, ABK of the Sea Dragon, who faced a death sentence in the two-tonne meth case.