The trial proceedings are important. Will the trial be able to restore the image of the police, who are at stake, and also the image of the judiciary power, which is being plagued by many problems?
By
KOMPAS EDITOR
·3 minutes read
The trial of the premeditated murder case against Nofriansyah Yosua Hutabarat and the defendant Ferdy Sambo and his friends has been taking place for weeks.
The public's eyes are focused on the South Jakarta District Court. The witness testimonies, expert testimonies and evidence are tested in the open trial. Witnesses who are not honest in their statements, will appear hesitant in answering questions in court. The public also seem to act as the "jury" of the trial that has attracted their attention. President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has even asked at least four times for the case to be unveiled openly in court.
The trial proceedings are important. Will the trial be able to restore the image of the police, who are at stake, and also the image of the judiciary power, which is being plagued by many problems? Public perception on law enforcement in Indonesia, as seen in a recent survey conducted by Kompas Research and Development, is quite bad. Judges, prosecutors, advocates and the police will risk their credibility in the eyes of the public. Will the ultimate truth be revealed? And will there be justice for the victims and justice for society? We need to wait for the judge's verdict, which is legally binding.
We need to wait for the judge's verdict, which is legally binding.
Through media coverage, we understand that the trial is open and going well. Through the reactions of netizens on social media, there was positive perception towards Richard Eliezer. Richard's behavior in court, when he bowed and apologized to Nofriansyah's family, drew sympathy. The comments that appeared on various social media were positive.
Richard's position is interesting. He has admitted to shooting Nofriansyah on Sambo's orders. He apologized. He became a justice collaborator and was protected under the Witness and Victim Protection Agency (LPSK). The story that Sambo built finally fell out of place because of Richard's confession. Sambo also admitted to developing a scenario and having used his influence to hinder the investigation. Several police officers were fired and put on trial.
Richard's position will be tested in court. He admitted that he shot Nofriansyah on Sambo's orders. Sambo's great crime has been exposed because of Richard's courage to tell the truth. Let the lawyers argue. There are experts who say Richard cannot avoid responsibility because he was involved in the shooting. However, other experts say Richard shot the victim on the orders of Sambo, a two-star police officer. Richard was only carrying out orders of the general.
Credibility of this trial will be tested on whether or not justice will come through with the knock of the judge’s hammer. Sambo’s character will be tested. Will he dare to take responsibility—although not fully recognized in criminal law—that the killing of Nofriansyah and obstruction of the investigation was on his orders and so his responsibility? We wait while we watch the proceedings.
This article was translated by Hendarsyah Tarmizi.