Highlighting the Case of the Former Jampidsus, SETARA Institute: Legal Supremacy Must Be Upheld

Jakarta, VIVA – The Chairman of the SETARA Institute’s Board of Trustees, Hendardi, has assessed that the legal manoeuvres of the former Deputy Attorney General for Special Crimes (Jampidsus) have the potential to divert public attention from the substance of the case currently being faced.

This was conveyed by Hendardi through a press statement received by the Indonesian Corruption Eradication Community Coalition, in the context of a public discussion entitled “The Former Jampidsus and Political Manoeuvres Behind the Pretrial Hearing: To What Extent Is Case Transparency Opened to the Public?” in Central Jakarta, Saturday, 15 August 2026.

Hendardi assessed that arguments regarding the pretrial hearing and alleged procedural issues are the legal right of the suspect. However, in his view, procedural aspects should not shift public attention away from the substance of the alleged criminal offence.

He also highlighted the transfer of case handling from the Police to the Attorney General’s Office. According to Hendardi, this process needs to be explained transparently because it concerns issues of independence and potential conflicts of interest.

“The enforcement of due process of law must not be understood partially. If one truly wishes to defend legal principles, then the entire series of processes must be tested objectively from the outset, including the decision to transfer the investigation,” said Hendardi.

Hendardi emphasised that the case is not merely about the legal fate of a former high-ranking official of the Attorney General’s Office, but also serves as a test of the credibility of Indonesia’s criminal justice system.

In his view, the public requires a legal process that is independent, transparent, free from conflicts of interest, and oriented towards uncovering material truth.

“We all hope that legal supremacy is upheld so that justice can be realised and public trust in law enforcement can be maintained,” said Hendardi.

He reminded that if public trust in legal mechanisms continues to decline, society may be driven to seek its own path in fighting for justice, including through civil disobedience, mob justice, or street justice.

Therefore, Hendardi encouraged that the entire legal process in this case be monitored openly and accountably so that no impression arises of special treatment or efforts to shield certain parties from legal accountability.