House Commission III Notes on Amsal Sitepu's Acquittal Verdict and Probing Prosecutors' Propaganda

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Chairman of the House of Representatives Commission III, Habiburokhman, considers the acquittal verdict for videographer Amsal Christy Sitepu to be an important note in law enforcement, particularly regarding the authorities’ understanding of the creative industry.

“In a case that has indeed attracted significant public attention. Where Amsal Sitepu, a videographer carrying out his work, was charged with corruption articles, with a ratio that cannot be accepted by the public, and arguments that cannot be accepted by the public,” said Habiburokhman during a press conference at the House building in Senayan, Jakarta, on Wednesday (1/4/2026).

“Creative works have a subjective value, and as long as there is an agreement, that price agreement emerges,” he stated.

Habiburokhman said that the case involving Amsal had previously caused concern among creative workers and young people.

Therefore, he continued, Commission III of the House of Representatives responded to this by holding a special public hearing (RDPU) and proposing the suspension of Amsal’s detention.

“Commission III responded yesterday by holding a special working meeting, and among them, in yesterday’s special working meeting, the special RDPU, we proposed the suspension of detention which was finally signed by Mr Sufmi Dasco Ahmad and sent to Medan. And Alhamdulillah, Mr Amsal received the suspension of detention yesterday,” he said.

“So once again, we highly appreciate the Panel of Judges. Because we are the party that continuously pushes for the improvement of judges’ welfare,” he added.

Deputy Chairman of Commission III of the House of Representatives, Ahmad Sahroni, also welcomed the acquittal verdict for Amsal.

He assessed that law enforcement officials ultimately listened to public input.

“I highly appreciate the law enforcement officials who ultimately listened to and accommodated the public’s voice,” said Sahroni when contacted by Kompas.com on Wednesday (1/4/2026).

Sahroni assessed that in the initial handling of the case, law enforcement officials did not fully understand the ins and outs of the creative industry.

“I understand that each party has its own perspective. The law enforcement apparatus might not have been so aware of the ins and outs of the creative world at the beginning, so the law enforcement applied was not appropriate. However, after hearing the voices and explanations from competent parties, their perspective became aligned,” he stated.