Amsal Sitepu: Lack of Knowledge Causes Legal Case to Drag On

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Creative economy activist Amsal Sitepu stated that ignorance of access to support and protection services was one of the factors that caused his legal issues to drag on. “One of the things that made my problem drag on a bit was my lack of knowledge. If I had known about this from the start, I wouldn’t have spent 131 days inside,” said Amsal after the event of the Meeting of the Creative Economy Minister with Amsal Sitepu at the Ministry of Creative Economy Office, Autograph Tower Thamrin Nine, Jakarta, on Thursday. Amsal had previously been embroiled in an alleged corruption case in the village profile video production project in Karo Regency, North Sumatra. In that case, he was questioned regarding the production budget value deemed inconsistent, even though the video work he carried out had been completed. He had undergone detention for 131 days before finally being acquitted by the court, which stated that the elements of criminal corruption were not proven in the case. According to him, creative economy actors need to be more proactive in seeking information and not just focus on the production process of their works. “We must be more active, don’t just focus on our works. Let’s see what services we can utilise,” he said. Amsal views the experience he went through as a lesson for other creative industry actors to better understand the ecosystem and available support. “Don’t see this process as a problem, but as an evaluation of how the creative economy in Indonesia can develop,” he stated. He also invited creative economy actors, especially the younger generation, to remain bold in creating amidst various challenges. “Don’t be afraid to create, spirit for the creative economy fighters in Indonesia,” he said. Meanwhile, the Minister of Creative Economy stated that his side continues to strengthen the socialisation of services and support for creative economy actors so that similar cases do not recur.