North Sumatra Chief Prosecutor Apologises to Parliament Over Controversy in Amsal Sitepu Case

The Chief Prosecutor of North Sumatra (Kajati Sumut), Harli Siregar, has issued a public apology following the controversy over the alleged markup of the budget for a serial village profile video project in Karo Regency, which implicated videographer Amsal Sitepu.

Harli delivered the apology during a public hearing (RDPU) with Commission III of the House of Representatives (DPR) on the matter, held on Thursday (2/4). Although not formally invited, Harli stated that he bears responsibility for the case.

“As the regional leader in North Sumatra, we also have a moral responsibility towards this issue. Therefore, we must express our apologies to the DPR RI, as this may have caused disruption and an unconducive atmosphere,” Harli said.

He emphasised that the apology is sincere as the head of the North Sumatra High Prosecutor’s Office. From the outset, Harli claimed to have been proactive regarding various alleged irregularities within the internal affairs of the Kejati Sumut, which are currently being processed.

The apology was also extended by the Karo District Prosecutor, Danke Rajagukguk. He expressed thanks for the input from Commission III on the case.

“We apologise for all our mistakes and oversights,” he stated.

Harli added that the evaluation from Commission III DPR will serve as input and will be reported to the prosecutor’s leadership.

“Therefore, in this matter, we are also engaging in intensive dialogue as a partnership between the Kejati Sumut and Commission III,” Harli remarked.

Amsal has been acquitted in the case. The panel of judges at the Medan District Court, on Wednesday (1/4), declared Amsal not proven guilty of marking up the production of village profile videos in Karo Regency for the 2020-2022 fiscal years by Rp202,161,980.

“Ruling: declares the defendant Amsal not legally and convincingly proven guilty of the acts as charged in the primary and subsidiary indictments of the public prosecutor,” stated the panel of judges chaired by Mohammad Yusafrihardi Girsang.