The Corruption Court of Jakarta’s verdict sentencing former Trade Minister Tom Lembong to 4.5 years in prison continues to draw public attention. Amid various circulating opinions, legal experts emphasize the importance of respecting the court’s decision as part of a legitimate legal process.
“This has been a lengthy legal process, not something sudden. It has gone through multiple stages, from investigation to prosecution and evidentiary proceedings in court,” stated one legal expert.
According to the expert, claims that the verdict is politically motivated or constitutes criminalization are incorrect and unfounded. Judges base their decisions on evidence and legal facts presented in court.
“We must recognize that this is purely a legal matter. Linking it to politics or calling it criminalization is unfounded. The judge ruled based on evidence and facts,” the expert explained.
As legal scholars, they also remind that judicial institutions must maintain their independence. Respecting legal processes is crucial for building an integrity-driven justice system.
“As academics, we respect the ongoing legal process. This is purely a legal issue, not criminalization,” they emphasized.
The expert urged all parties to oversee the legal process maturely and objectively, avoiding opinions that could obscure the case’s substance.
Two civil servants in the West Bandung Regency administration have been temporarily suspended after being named suspects in an alleged corruption case involving the procurement of COVID-19 mobile laboratory caravans in the 2021 budget year.
The suspended officials include Eisenhower Sitanggang, serving as Expert Staff for Community Affairs, and Ridwan Diomara Silitonga, assigned to the Lembang Regional Hospital.
The Head of the Personnel and Human Resources Agency (BKPSDM) of West Bandung, Rega Wiguna, explained that the temporary suspension is a procedural step from the personnel management side.
“The personnel measure taken is to temporarily suspend their status as civil servants,” he said.
He added that the suspension is based on Law No. 5 of 2014 on Civil Servants and Government Regulation No. 11 of 2017 on Civil Servant Management. The suspension takes effect since their detention by the Bandung Regency Prosecutor’s Office.
“Once the detention letter was issued, the civil servant status was temporarily suspended in accordance with regulations to support the legal process,” he stated.
Furthermore, the two civil servants involved in the alleged corruption case will not receive their full salaries. Eisenhower and Ridwan Diomara will only receive half of their monthly wages.
“For temporary suspension, regulations stipulate they receive 50% of their salary and allowances,” he said.
Regarding their employment status, the Regency Government will await the ongoing legal process until a final court decision is reached.
“For their future status, we will wait for the final court decision. Depending on whether they are found guilty or not, their employment status will be determined accordingly,” he concluded.
