Advocate Marcella Santoso Affirms Patriotism in Rebuttal Before Jakarta Central District Court
DEFENDANT in an alleged bribery case involving the conditioning of acquittal (ontslag) decisions in crude palm oil (CPO) export facility corruption and money laundering charges, Marcella Santoso, reaffirmed her commitment to Indonesia whilst delivering her rebuttal statement during proceedings at Jakarta Central District Court on Friday, 27 February.
In her statement, Marcella denied claims that she sought to damage the nation’s image and emphasised her enduring love for her country. “I deeply love Indonesia. There is no dark Indonesia. I never wanted to destroy Indonesia,” Marcella told media representatives following the hearing.
Marcella characterised herself as a victim of what she termed parasitic practices within the judicial system. She appealed for state protection, not only for herself but also for fellow advocates and the next generation of the profession. “I stated earlier that I am a victim of parasites. Do not destroy me completely. If you destroy me, the parasites will simply move elsewhere,” she stated.
According to Marcella, the advocate profession is vulnerable to pressure, particularly when dealing with major cases. She expressed hope for adequate protection mechanisms that would enable advocates to work independently and free from judicial mafia practices.
When asked whether she felt victimised, Marcella stated she had chosen to forgive and accept her circumstances. “God will answer,” she said briefly.
Regarding another case reportedly related to investigation protection, Marcella said she could not provide detailed explanations as that case had not yet entered the trial stage. She stressed that assessments of cases should be based on trial facts rather than the formation of public opinion.
Marcella also addressed what she described as framing that depicted her as seeking to present Indonesia in a negative light. She firmly rejected such assertions.
“I am also a daughter of this nation. In 1998, I had the opportunity to leave, but I remained in Indonesia and could not find it in my heart to abandon this country,” she said.
In her rebuttal, Marcella also presented her ideas regarding improvements to Indonesia’s land registration system, particularly concerning disputed land. She believed customary land and customary law should be accommodated and bridged within positive law to prevent continued conflicts. “I hope God gives me the opportunity to understand these interests,” Marcella said.
The verdict reading in the alleged bribery case involving the conditioning of acquittal (ontslag) decisions in crude palm oil (CPO) export facility corruption and money laundering charges will take place on Tuesday, 3 March 2025.
“We had initially planned for 2 March, but we realised there was insufficient time, so we requested an additional day, moving it to Tuesday, 3 March,” said Presiding Judge Effendi during the rebuttal hearing at the Corruption Court at Jakarta Central District Court on Friday, 28 February.
Besides Marcella, three other defendants will receive their verdicts in this case: advocate Junaedi Saibih, Head of Social Security Legal Wilmar Group Muhammad Syafei, and advocate Ariyanto. Junaedi faces a 9-year prison sentence, Syafei 15 years, whilst Marcella and Ariyanto each face 17 years imprisonment.