Habiburokhman Denies Intervention in Amsal Sitepu Case, Reveals Prabowo's Directive

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Chairman of the Indonesian House of Representatives’ Commission III, Habiburokhman, has denied accusations that Commission III is intervening in the handling of the alleged corruption case against videographer Amsal Christy Sitepu in North Sumatra.

Habiburokhman emphasised that the series of public hearings (RDPU) conducted by the DPR are purely part of its oversight function.

“The series of RDPUs that we frequently conduct on cases, including the RDPU regarding the case of Mr Amsal Christy Sitepu on 30 March 2026, is not a form of intervention,” said Habiburokhman during the RDPU with the North Sumatra High Prosecutor’s Office, the Karo District Prosecutor’s Office, and Amsal Christy Sitepu at the DPR Building, Thursday (2/4/2026).

Habiburokhman also revealed that he received direct instructions from President Prabowo Subianto, who is also the chairman of his party, to ensure that ordinary citizens receive justice.

“As Habiburokhman, Chairman of Commission III of the DPR RI, I personally received orders directly from my leader, Mr Prabowo Subianto, to ensure that ordinary people can smile and obtain justice,” he stated.

Habiburokhman further explained Commission III’s request for the suspension of Amsal’s detention.

“Article 110 Paragraph 3 of the new Criminal Code stipulates that a guarantee for suspension can be provided by the suspect’s or defendant’s family, advocate, or any other person who has no relation whatsoever to the suspect or defendant, as long as they are willing and responsible for bearing all risks and consequences that arise if the detainee escapes,” he said.

In that forum, Commission III also requested explanations from the Karo District Prosecutor’s Office regarding several aspects of the handling of Amsal’s case.

First, the legal reasons for designating Amsal as a suspect, including allegations of price inflation.

“We request an explanation of what are the legal reasons for designating Mr Amsal Christy Sitepu as a suspect? What is the prosecutor’s argument that Mr Amsal Christy Sitepu committed price inflation and so on?” said Habiburokhman.

Second, Commission III questioned the reasons for detaining Amsal.

“Which point of the detention requirements above is fulfilled such that Mr Amsal Christy Sitepu is subjected to detention?” he said.