Witness claims Bangun Paulus demanded Rp500 million in extortion case

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The victim, Vincent Leo Carlius, testified that the defendant, Bangun Paulus Tudungta, demanded Rp500 million while he was inside a car with the defendant and several others during an alleged case of extortion and intimidation.

“Initially, while the car was moving, there was no communication. After about 15 to 20 minutes, a conversation took place on Jalan Benyamin Sueb,” Vincent stated in a written testimony in Jakarta on Tuesday.

During the ongoing trial for case number 399/Pid.B/2026/PN Jkt.Pst at the Central Jakarta District Court on Monday (28/9), Vincent stated that he was taken on a drive around the area before the defendant made the monetary demand.

He claimed he was physically restrained and shown handcuffs by the defendant and his accomplices.

According to Vincent, the defendant then demanded Rp500 million. He noted that the amount gradually decreased through stages of Rp400 million, Rp300 million, Rp200 million, Rp100 million, Rp50 million, and finally down to Rp30 million.

“It was requested by the defendant,” Vincent said when responding to questions from Public Prosecutor Andri Saputra regarding who made the demand.

Vincent admitted he was only able to transfer Rp22 million. Following this, because the Rp30 million demand had not been met, he stated he was taken on another drive towards the Puncak area.

“I immediately transferred Rp22 million, because I could only afford Rp22 million,” he said.

Vincent stated that he subsequently sought help from his family as he felt frightened and threatened. During the trial, presided over by Chief Judge Achmad Rasyid Purba, Vincent also presented a letter of apology allegedly related to the defendant.

Meanwhile, the defendant, Bangun Paulus, denied several of Vincent’s testimonies. He expressed his objection, claiming that the events described by the witness did not align with the facts of his experience.

“I am somewhat disappointed because the facts do not include the stories regarding threats with a hammer or handcuffs,” said Bangun.

He also denied claims that he received orders from his father to carry out the extortion and denied ever verbally abusing security personnel.

During the proceedings, the panel of judges also reminded the defendant’s legal counsel to use appropriate terminology and not to preempt the court’s verdict.

“Whether it is a criminal act or not is a decision for the court. Therefore, we must not decide beforehand. We must uphold the principle of the presumption of innocence,” the judge stated.

In addition to Vincent, the Public Prosecutor also presented witness Khon Thu Sang. The prosecution previously mentioned that the second witness’s testimony pertained to a demand for Rp350 million.

It is noted that the case is still in the evidentiary stage. Whether the charges against Bangun Paulus Tudungta are proven will be determined by the panel of judges once the entire trial process is complete.