Relieved Activist Perdana Arie Smiles After First Taste of Freedom: Misses Family and Friends

Perdana Arie Putra Veriasa was finally able to breathe the air of freedom today. However, Arie was still found guilty in the case of burning down the DI Yogyakarta Police tent during a demonstration at the end of August last year.

The certainty of Arie’s release was obtained after the panel of judges at the Sleman District Court handed down a prison sentence of 5 months and 3 days, reduced by the period of arrest and detention. The same amount of time he spent in detention. This means that after the verdict was handed down on Monday (23/2), Arie could actually have been released. However, it was only today that Arie was able to leave prison. He also couldn’t hide his relieved smile after being released. “Of course, I’m relieved and grateful that I’m free. Besides, I also miss my family and friends,” said Arie when met by reporters at the Class II B Sleman Prison or Cebongan Prison, Tuesday (24/2/2026). Arie admitted that he had mixed feelings during his 5 months in detention. Every day, to fill his time, he made time to exercise, worship, and of course read books. “There was no (intimidation). There was no (physical) intimidation,” he said. Although there was a one-day delay in leaving prison, he didn’t worry too much. In fact, he had more time to say goodbye. “I don’t mind (leaving one day later). It’s like following the procedures from the prison. In fact, I can say goodbye to my friends inside,” he said. After leaving the prison, he was greeted by friends from the Legal Aid Institute (LBH) and other activists who had been providing support. “Thank you. I must say, I am very grateful. I don’t know how else to repay this kindness,” he said. Arie has indeed been released from prison. However, the legal process is still ongoing because this case does not yet have a final legal force. Because, at the time of the verdict, even though Arie had accepted the decision, the prosecutor used the right to think. “Well, for me, because there are indeed legal provisions, I just accept it. I follow the legal process,” he said. Regarding his education at UNY, Arie will still discuss it with his family. From the information he received, after being detained until now, the university has suggested that he apply for a leave of absence. “As for my studies, I’ll take some time. Yes, I’ll discuss it with my family first,” he concluded. Previously, the panel of judges at the Sleman District Court handed down a sentence of 5 months and 3 days to the defendant, Perdana Arie Putra Veriasa, in the case of burning down facilities of the DI Yogyakarta Police during the August demonstration last year. This sentence is exactly the same as the period of arrest and detention he has undergone, so he can immediately breathe the air of freedom. The reading of the verdict against the defendant, Perdana Arie, was held on Monday (23/2) at the Sleman District Court. Dozens of people crowded the courtroom to show their support for Perdana Arie. In its consideration, the chairman of the panel of judges, Ari Prabawa, stated that Perdana Arie’s actions met all the elements in Article 308 paragraph 1 of Law No. 1 of 2023 concerning the Criminal Code, as in the first alternative indictment of the public prosecutor. This verdict is lower than the prosecutor’s demand, which demanded a 1-year prison sentence for Arie. “Handing down a sentence to the defendant, therefore, with a prison sentence of 5 months and 3 days,” said Ari Prabawa while reading the verdict at the Sleman District Court, Monday (23/2/2026). The judge then ordered that the period of arrest and detention that the defendant had served be fully deducted from the sentence imposed. “Ordering the public prosecutor to release the defendant from detention immediately after this verdict is read,” he said. (afn/alg)