Family highlights unheld defendant in bank branch manager murder case

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The family of a bank branch manager, identified by the initials MIP (37), has raised concerns regarding one of the defendants who is not being held in custody in connection with the alleged kidnapping and murder of MIP.

“We have questioned the Military Prosecutor. So far, what we have gathered regarding the role of the third defendant suggests that their involvement may have been a factor in the decision to grant a lighter sentence,” said Taufan, the brother of MIP, in Jakarta on Monday.

Following the sentencing hearing for the case involving the alleged kidnapping and murder of the bank branch manager at the Military Court II-08 Jakarta on Monday, the family maintains that all parties involved bear responsibility for the series of events that led to the victim’s death.

Taufan noted that the circumstances surrounding his brother’s death indicate a prolonged process, suggesting there were opportunities to prevent the tragedy. “Looking at the planning involved, there was time to save him, to think twice,” Taufan stated.

He further criticised the perpetrators’ decision not to transport the victim to a hospital, arguing that there was a critical window of time to save his life. “Why was the deceased not sent to the hospital? Those five minutes are the golden time,” said Taufan. “Especially since this involves members of the TNI (Indonesian National Armed Forces), who are funded by our taxes. This is a serious matter.”

The victim’s family admitted they are dissatisfied with the sentences proposed by the Military Prosecutor during the trial. They expressed hope that the panel of judges will deliver a verdict that serves the interests of justice. Taufan pledged that the family, alongside their legal counsel, will continue to monitor the trial proceedings until the final verdict is reached, emphasising that the case must serve as a lesson to prevent similar crimes from recurring.

During the sentencing hearing at the Military Court, the first defendant, Serka Mochamad Nasir, was sentenced to 12 years in prison, minus time already served. The second defendant, Kopda Feri Herianto, received a sentence of 10 years, also minus time served. The third defendant, Serka Frengky Yaru, was sentenced to four years in prison. Additionally, the first and second defendants face the supplementary penalty of dishonourable discharge from the Indonesian Army (TNI AD).