Police Respond to Acquittal of Delpedro et al.: Case Handled According to Procedure

The Jakarta Metro Police Public Relations Division Head, Budi Hermanto, stated that the judicial process was conducted in accordance with legal mechanisms regarding the acquittal of Delpedro Marhaen, Muzaffar Salim, Syahdan Husein, and Khariq Anhar.

“The Jakarta Metro Police regards the decision of the Central Jakarta District Court in this case as part of the judicial process running in accordance with legal mechanisms,” Budi stated in a written statement on Monday (9/3).

“Each stage in the criminal justice system has its own space and authority, and we respect this as an integral part of the law enforcement process,” he added.

Budi stated that police investigators had worked according to their assigned responsibilities. “In this case, investigators have worked in accordance with their duties and authority, from the investigation process, investigation proper, through to phase II involving the surrender of suspects and evidence to the public prosecutor,” Budi said.

Budi argued that the substance of the decision was entirely the responsibility of the court judge, and therefore the decision was no longer a police matter.

“We will not delve into the substance of the decision delivered by the judicial panel. For the Jakarta Metro Police, what is most important is that the entire process has been carried out according to applicable procedures and regulations, and each institution has carried out its role proportionally,” he said.

Previously, Delpedro, Muzaffar Salim, Syahdan Husein, and Khariq Anhar were acquitted because it could not be proven they spread false information and incitement related to August demonstrations last year that resulted in unrest.

The judge stated that Delpedro and the others were also not proven to have recruited or exploited children for military or other armed purposes, as alleged under Article 76H in conjunction with Article 15 in conjunction with Article 87 of Law Number 35 of 2014 on Child Protection in conjunction with Article 55 paragraph 1 subsection 1 of the Criminal Code.

“The court acquits the defendants of all charges brought by the public prosecutor,” stated Chief Judge Harika Nova Yeri when reading the verdict at the Central Jakarta District Court on Friday (6/3).

“The court restores the rights of the defendants in their capacity, position, dignity and honour,” the judge continued.