Trembling Voices and Tears: Three TNI Soldiers Involved in Kidnapping and Murder of Bank Branch Head Express Remorse

In the trial for the alleged kidnapping and murder of a bank branch head in Jakarta, initial defendant Serka MN apologised while crying and expressing deep regret for his actions. “Permission, for defendants two (Kopda FH) and three (Serka FY), they only acted on my orders, so they are loyal to me. For them, I accept the punishment together,” said Serka MN during the defendant examination hearing at the Military Court II-08 in Cakung, East Jakarta, on Tuesday. The three defendants—Serka MN, Kopda FH, and Serka FY—could not hold back their emotions as they delivered their apologies before the Chief Judge of the Panel, Colonel Chk Fredy Ferdian Isnartanto. Defendant 1, Serka MN, who was identified as the one giving the orders, initially appeared composed. However, when asked to apologise to the victim’s family, his voice began to tremble, and his emotions broke. He admitted that neither he nor his family had made any effort to visit the victim’s family. The judge stressed that the apology should still be given as a form of moral responsibility, even if it might not be accepted. “Yes, it certainly won’t be accepted, but at least there is an effort,” said Chief Judge Colonel Chk Fredy Ferdian Isnartanto. Hearing this, Serka MN could only respond briefly in a subdued tone, holding back tears before the court. Meanwhile, Defendant 2 Kopda FH appeared emotional but remained composed. With a stammering voice, he delivered his apology to his unit and the victim’s family. He acknowledged his mistake and described his actions as foolishness that led to the tragic incident. “We apologise to our unit for tarnishing its name. Second, we apologise to the victim’s family for my foolishness and mistake,” said Kopda FH. He also admitted his role in leading the team to pick up the victim, which resulted in the kidnapping and the victim’s death. Similarly, Defendant 3 Serka FY could not hide his sadness. In a soft tone, he delivered his apology to the victim’s bereaved family. “We, as the guilty parties, apologise to the victim’s family,” said Serka FY briefly.