Assault Case: West Kalimantan Man Sentenced to Eid Family Visit with Victim
The District Court (PN) Mempawah has issued a pioneering new decision in sentencing practices. A defendant who received a sentence of four months imprisonment has had this penalty replaced with supervised probation for one year.
The decision was delivered by single judge Richard Oktorio Napitupulu, through ruling Number 44/Pid.B/2026/PN Mpw. In the decision’s operative part, the judge set a general condition that the defendant must not commit any further criminal acts during the probation period.
Notably, the judge also added a special condition in the form of an obligation for the defendant to restore good relations with the victim.
“The defendant must visit the victim’s home on Eid al-Fitr 2026 (or another day in March 2026), accompanied by family members or village/community administrators to engage in reconciliation, and this must be documented in the form of photographs or video,” said Richard, as quoted from the official MARINews website on Thursday (12/3/2026).
The assault case arose when the defendant punched the victim in the head, causing a wound to the victim’s forehead and resulting in the victim falling from a motorcycle. The act was triggered by the defendant’s irritation at feeling obstructed by the victim whilst attempting to collect steel materials for constructing a toilet at his residence.
Initially, the Public Prosecutor charged the defendant under Article 466 Paragraph (1) of the National Criminal Code or Article 471 Paragraph (1) of the National Criminal Code, and sought an eight-month prison sentence.
Judge Richard then acted as the single judge in the expedited examination because the defendant admitted to the charges through a plea bargaining mechanism, emphasising that punishment is not solely retributive in nature.
“Punishment must be a form of accountability as well as a means of reform so that the defendant can be reaccepted within the family and community environment,” he stated.
The judge’s reasoning also referred to Article 54 Paragraph (1) of the National Criminal Code, specifically regarding the impact of the criminal act on the victim and the existence of forgiveness. Although the victim still wished for the legal process to continue.
The defendant accepted the ruling, whilst the Public Prosecutor indicated they would consider their options. This decision has attracted attention for introducing a restorative approach to sentencing, with a unique condition emphasising social reconciliation between the offender and victim.