Mother's tears as Medan-based ABK Fandi Ramadhan is sentenced to five years' imprisonment: I hope he is freed

An ABK from Medan, Fandi Ramadhan, was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment in connection with the smuggling of 1.9 tonnes of methamphetamine. Fandi Ramadhan’s mother, Nirwana, said her son should not have to serve a prison sentence. ‘I hope Fandi is freed,’ Nirwana said through tears after the hearing at Batam District Court, as reported by detikSumut on Thursday, 5 March 2026.

Fandi Ramadhan’s father, Sulaiman, expressed gratitude to the panel of judges for the verdict, and he was thankful that Fandi escaped the death penalty. ‘I would like to thank the panel of judges. Thank you for the kindness of the presiding judge. As a parent, I would like to say thank you,’ Sulaiman said.

Fandi Ramadhan’s defence counsel, Bachtiar Batu Bara, said they are still considering further legal steps following the verdict. He noted that the gap between the prosecutor’s demand and the judge’s verdict is quite wide.

The verdict was read in a hearing held at Batam District Court on Thursday, 5 March. The panel of judges, led by chief judge Tiwik with associate judges Douglas Napitupulu and Randi Jastian Afandi, found Fandi guilty.