Batam Prosecutor's Office Apologises Over Statement During Drug Smuggling Case Proceedings

The Batam State Prosecutor’s Office has issued an apology regarding statements made by the Public Prosecutor during the reading of the reply in proceedings concerning the smuggling of nearly 2 tonnes of narcotics at the Batam District Court.

Priandi Firdaus, Head of the Intelligence Section of the Batam State Prosecutor’s Office, stated that the apology was conveyed by Public Prosecutor Muhammad Arfian before Commission III of the House of Representatives on Wednesday, 11 March.

“The apology statement is intended to clarify the Public Prosecutor’s statement during the reply reading at the Batam District Court some time ago. We offer our apologies if the statement caused any misunderstanding,” Priandi said in an official statement received in Batam on Thursday.

According to him, the apology specifically relates to the Public Prosecutor’s statement during the reading of the reply, which had touched upon public figures and Commission III of the House of Representatives in the context of alleged interference in the law enforcement process.

He stressed that the prosecutor’s statement was not intended to offend the House of Representatives, particularly Commission III, nor any public figures.

He further explained that criminal charges constitute the authority of the public prosecutor, formulated based on court facts, evidence, and applicable legal regulations.

Priandi also stated that the Prosecutor’s Office respects the supervisory function of the House of Representatives, including the role of Commission III in overseeing law enforcement in Indonesia.

“The Prosecutor’s Office remains committed to performing law enforcement duties in a professional and objective manner, upholding the principles of independence and accountability in the handling of every case,” said Priandi.

Previously, the apology was conveyed in a Hearing Session with Commission III of the House of Representatives as a form of clarification regarding the prosecutor’s statement that had earlier sparked public controversy on 11 March.

“I, Public Prosecutor Muhammad Arfian, wish to convey sincerely and deeply our apologies for our error during yesterday’s proceedings when reading the reply,” said Arfian.