ABK Fandi Ramadhan Avoids Death Penalty with Five-Year Sentence in Two-Tonne Meth Case

The Batam District Court’s panel of judges has handed down a five-year prison sentence to Fandi Ramadhan, an ABK on the Sea Dragon, in connection with the smuggling of two tonnes of methamphetamine. The verdict, read on Thursday, 5 March 2026, brings an end to speculation about the defendant’s fate after he was previously charged with a death sentence by the Public Prosecutor (JPU). In the verdict, Presiding Judge Tiwik stated that the defendant was proven beyond reasonable doubt to have committed the narcotics offence. However, the sentence is far lower than the maximum penalty sought. “Sentencing the defendant Fandi Ramadhan to five years’ imprisonment,” said Judge Tiwik in the Batam District Court chamber. The sentence was based on legal facts revealed during the trial, including the defendant’s role as an ABK who had only worked on the Sea Dragon for three days at the time of the interception in waters off the Riau Islands. After the verdict was read, the court room erupted in cheers; the defendant’s family, present in court, were overcome with emotion as Fandi hugged his mother briefly after the judge’s gavel fell. The panel asked attendees to remain calm to maintain order before the defendant was escorted back to temporary detention. Replying to the verdict, Fandi’s defence lawyer, Bahtiar Batubara, said the team had not yet decided whether to accept the sentence or appeal. They still had seven days to consult with the family. “Based on the evidence presented at trial, we believe the defendant should be free. But the ultimate decision rests with the family,” Bahtiar said. “We have seven days to consult,” he added. Separately, the Public Prosecutor’s Office (JPU) indicated they were keeping their options open. Given the large disparity between the death sentence and the five-year term, there is a strong likelihood the prosecution will lodge an appeal with the High Court. After the hearing, security personnel from the court and the prosecution evacuated Fandi to a prisoner transport vehicle amid a crowd of family members. Fandi Ramadhan’s name had become a nationwide talking point earlier in 2026 as the case drew attention for its scale and potential implications.