Amsal Sitepu Acquitted: DPR Member Calls It a Victory for Justice
JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Member of Commission III of the House of Representatives Martin Daniel Tumbelaka stated that the acquittal verdict for videographer Amsal Christy Sitepu in the alleged markup case for producing village profile videos represents a tangible embodiment of justice prevailing in society.
“This verdict is a victory for the public’s sense of justice. We see a creative worker who has fulfilled his obligations but nearly became ensnared in the law due to unproven administrative issues. The judge has demonstrated courage in upholding substantive justice,” Martin said when asked for confirmation on Wednesday (1/4/2026).
Martin conveyed that the public’s sense of justice is disturbed if someone who genuinely works and produces output is forced to be guilty.
“The public wants to see fair law. When trial facts show no state loss and the work truly exists in tangible form, then an acquittal is the only way to restore the dignity of our law in the public’s eyes,” he stated.
Furthermore, Martin appreciated the integrity of the panel of judges who were not swayed by the heavy demands from the public prosecutor (JPU). According to him, the judges have carried out their function as the last bastion for those seeking justice.
Martin further linked the importance of legal certainty to the sustainability of the creative economy.
“Our creative economy, including videography services, is a sector that relies on skills and ideas. If its actors are continuously haunted by fears of criminalisation even though they have worked according to contract, this ecosystem will die. This is why justice for Amsal also becomes a sense of security for other creative economy actors,” Martin said.
Martin hopes that this case serves as material for evaluation for law enforcement officials to be more objective in distinguishing between criminal acts of corruption and professional dynamics in the field.
“Do not let the spirit of eradicating corruption instead clash with the sense of justice for small communities and professional workers who are trying to earn a lawful living through their creations,” he stated.
The panel of judges at the Medan District Court issued an acquittal verdict against the defendant in the alleged corruption case for producing village profile videos in Karo Regency, Amsal Christy Sitepu, on Wednesday, 1 April 2026.
Presiding Judge Mohammad Yusafrihardi Girsang stated that Amsal Sitepu was not proven guilty in a lawful and convincing manner of committing the criminal act as charged in the primary and subsidiary indictments.
“Acquitting the defendant from all public prosecutor’s charges. Restoring the defendant’s rights in his abilities, position, dignity, and honour,” said Judge Mohammad Yusafrihardi Girsang on Wednesday (1/4/2026).