Accused of Creating Misleading Narrative on DPR in Amsal Sitepu Case, Karo Chief Prosecutor Admits to Typo Error

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The Head of the Karo District Prosecutor’s Office (Kajari), Danke Rajagukguk, was asked to explain why he had constructed a misleading narrative implying that Commission III of the DPR had intervened and violated procedures by forcing the release of videographer Amsal Christy Sitepu from prison. In fact, the suspension of Amsal Sitepu’s detention was ordered by the panel of judges, with the DPR merely acting as the applicant. “Commission III demands an explanation as to why the Karo District Prosecutor’s Office built a misleading narrative, as if Commission III had intervened and violated procedures by forcing Amsal’s release from Tanjung Gusta Prison, after the determination by the Medan District Court panel numbered 171/Pid.Sus/TPK/2025 PN Medan, by issuing and disseminating a highly provocative letter numbered B618/L.2.19/FT.1/03/2026,” said Danke at the DPR Building in Senayan, Jakarta, on Thursday (2/4/2026). The Medan District Court letter clearly states that the judges granted the DPR’s request to suspend Amsal Sitepu’s detention. In contrast, the Karo Chief Prosecutor’s letter referred to it as a “transfer of detention” rather than a “suspension of detention.” The two terms are markedly different. “See, it states ‘determines,’ this is from the court, granting the applicant’s request. Suspending the detention of the defendant Amsal Christy Sitepu from Tanjung Gusta State Detention Centre,” said Habiburokhman. Danke then admitted that his side had made a typing error in the letter, changing “suspension” to “transfer.” “Yes, Sir. Regarding the notification of the determination for the transfer of detention of the defendant Amsal Christy Sitepu, it cannot be carried out as the defendant has already been released. With the leader’s permission, the letter we prepared concerns the notification of the transfer determination. Yes, with permission, the wording for transfer is indeed incorrect, leader,” said Danke. “It was indeed wrong, wasn’t it, Ma’am?” asked Habiburokhman. “Yes, it was wrong,” replied Danke. “Was it intentional or what?” said Habiburokhman, pressing further. “Yes, it was indeed a typing error, leader,” said Danke.