Far from Prosecution Demands, KPK Responds to 2-Year Prison Sentence for Riau Governor
The Corruption Eradability Commission (KPK) appreciates the panel of judges at the Corruption Crime Court of the Pekanbaru District Court, which has sentenced inactive Riau Governor Abdul Wahid to two years in prison.
Despite the verdict being far from the 8.5-year prison sentence sought by the KPK Public Prosecutor (JPU), KPK Spokesperson Budi Prasetyo viewed the outcome from another perspective, noting that the evidence presented by the prosecutors during the trial received legal recognition and assessment from the panel of judges.
“The KPK respects the decision of the judges of the Corruption Crime Court in the case involving the defendant Abdul Wahid,” Budi stated via a written message on Friday (31/7). “We also appreciate the panel for declaring the defendant legally and convincingly guilty of committing the corruption crimes as charged by the KPK Public Prosecutor.”
Regarding the imposed criminal sentence, Budi explained that the KPK prosecutors will first thoroughly study the judges’ considerations before determining further legal action. In accordance with the provisions of the Criminal Procedure Code (KUHAP), the KPK prosecutors have seven days after the verdict is read to accept the decision, file an appeal, or enter a period of deliberation.
In principle, Budi clarified that every step taken by the KPK will be based on objective and comprehensive juridical considerations, oriented towards the interests of law enforcement and justice. “Therefore, we invite all parties to respect the ongoing legal process until the official stance of the KPK prosecutors is established,” he said.
Abdul Wahid was sentenced to two years in prison and a fine of Rp200 million, with a subsidiary of 80 days of imprisonment, plus restitution of Rp1.45 billion, with a subsidiary of 1 year and 6 months of imprisonment. The judges also ruled that the period of detention already served by Abdul Wahid be deducted from the imposed sentence, and that the defendant remains in custody and must pay court costs of Rp10,000.
The verdict has not yet gained permanent legal force as Abdul Wahid has declared his intention to appeal. “We are all listening to the judge’s decision. However, in that decision, there were no mitigating considerations for me,” said Abdul Wahid after the hearing on Thursday (30/7). “Hopefully, I will receive justice and I will continue to seek justice. I feel innocent in this matter and have never done it; it has truly been fabricated. I feel that this is full of manipulation.”