Politeness and Youth Cited as Mitigating Factors in ABK Fandi Ramadhan's Death Penalty Case
Batam District Court has declined to impose the death penalty on Fandi Ramadhan, an ABK aboard the Sea Dragon Tarawa, who was implicated in the smuggling of two tonnes of methamphetamine. The presiding panel, led by Chief Judge Tiwik, cited the defendant’s polite conduct during proceedings and his young age as key mitigating factors. ‘What lightens the case is that the defendant behaved politely in court and is young, so he is expected to reform in the future,’ Tiwik said when reading the verdict on Thursday, 5 March 2026.
The verdict stands in stark contrast to the Prosecution’s request for the death penalty. Although the narcotics haul was substantial and could threaten the nation’s youth, the court considered humanitarian factors. ‘The defendant Fandi Ramadhan is sentenced to five years’ imprisonment,’ Tiwik added.
The courtroom erupted in emotion as the verdict was announced; Fandi, who escaped the death penalty, was warmly hugged by his mother as security officers looked on. Fandi’s lawyer, Bahtiar Batubara, said they were not fully satisfied and would pursue a full release by negotiating with the family; ‘Based on the evidence at trial, we want freedom, but it depends on the family. We have seven days to confer.’ The prosecution indicated it would deliberate on an appeal.
The case originated on 14 May 2025, when Fandi and five other crew members, including two Thai nationals, loaded goods onto the Sea Dragon Tarawa in the waters of the Riau Islands, heading for Phuket, Thailand. The vessel was subsequently intercepted by authorities.
The Judicial Commission (KY) has since spoken out to address allegations of interference behind the relatively light sentence for the ABK Fandi Ramadhan. Fandi Ramadhan’s name rose to national prominence in early 2026 after he was found guilty in a drug case involving almost two tonnes. He is the ABK of the Sea Dragon Tarawa who faced a death sentence but was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment. KY responded to the accusations of intervention.