Government's stance on Delpedro et al.'s acquittal: respect the ruling, urge prosecutors not to pursue cassation

The government respects the decision of the Central Jakarta District Court, which acquitted Executive Director of the Lokataru Foundation, Delpedro Marhaen Rismansyah, together with three other activists, in the case of alleged instigation of August 2025 demonstrations.

Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration and Prison Administration Yusril Ihza Mahendra said the acquittal demonstrates that the judicial process operates independently and without government interference.

‘The court has demonstrated its independence, and the government did not interfere with the proceedings in any way,’ Yusril said, as quoted on Sunday 8 March 2026.

He emphasised that the government remains committed to fairness and fully respecting the court’s decision.

Yusril also urged the public prosecutor (JPU) not to search for grounds to lodge a cassation against the acquittal.

According to him, the provisions in the new Indonesian Code of Criminal Procedure (KUHAP) no longer leave room for prosecutors to lodge cassations against acquittals.

‘I urge prosecutors not to theorise about a ’pure acquittal’ and a ‘non-pure acquittal’ to find grounds for cassation, as was often the case under the old KUHAP,’ he said.

With the ruling, Yusril believes the Delpedro case and his colleagues should be considered closed.

Reflecting on the case, Yusril called on law enforcement authorities to be more careful before making arrests, detentions, or prosecutions.

He said law enforcement should ensure that initial evidence is sufficiently strong before bringing a case to court.

‘If the initial evidence is not strong enough, law enforcement should rethink arrests, detentions or prosecutions,’ he said.

He added that law enforcement should ensure that the enforcement of the law is carried out firmly and fairly so as not to cause losses to those who are ultimately found not guilty.