The Costly Lesson of Mario-Rafael

The case of assault on David by Mario, which has sparked public controversy this week, does not merely cause mild concern, but is very worrisome.

KOMPAS

Apart from Mario Dandy Satrio, the police named one more suspect in the assault case on Cristalino David Ozora (17), namely Shane Lukas Rotua Pangondian Lumbantoruan or SLR (19), a resident of Srengseng, West Jakarta, on Friday (24/2/2023).

It is our concern because the assault caused David (CDO), who is a juvenile of 17 years old, to suffer severe injuries and go into a coma. Although his condition has improved, he still has to receive intensive care.

It is very worrisome, because the case has revealed many things. Many violations of social and legal norms can be clearly observed in this case alone.

Mario (MDS), as a torture suspect, is an adult at age 19. However, he did not protect David; instead, he assaulted him. It is unclear what information Mario got from his peer (APA) about David’s treatment of his former lover, AG, 15, which made Mario torture David in such a way. The assault was also witnessed by a friend of Mario, SLR, 19, and also his two peers, APA and AG. SLR even recorded the torture with a cell phone owned by Mario. Police investigation should clarify the chronology and motive.

Also read:

> Lesson Learned from Mario Dandy Case

The question arises: Has violence become so common in this country? Even before the case is clarified, we can ask: Is taking the law into one’s own hands already normal in this country? Is this the result of weak law enforcement, which is not yet strict from top to bottom?

It was later discovered Mario is the son of Rafael Alun Trisambodo, an echelon-III official of the Directorate of Taxation of the Finance Ministry. Rafael’s wealth is recorded in the Public Official Wealth Report (LHKPN) of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), totaling Rp 56.1 billion (US$3.63 billion). There is nothing wrong with the large amount of wealth. The problem is that the Wrangler Rubicon Jeep used by MDS when assaulting David had false police plate numbers and was not listed in the LHKPN. The same was true of the Harley Davidson motorcycle used by MDS. The Financial Transaction Analysis and Reporting Center (PPATK) also stated suspicious transactions of Rafael had been found and submitted to the KPK.

KOMPAS/HERU SRI KUMORO

South Jakarta Metro Police Chief Comr. Ade Ary conveys information on the handling of the violence case against Cristalino David Ozora alias David at the South Jakarta Metro Police Headquarters, Friday (24/2/2023).

Are officials in the country so depraved? A tax official in charge of raising citizens’ awareness about paying taxes for the advancement of the state is suspected of embezzling tax, robbing the state of its funds. Distrust is becoming widespread. “Come on, pay your tax! Hurry, because many tax officials do not yet own Rubicon and Harley,” is one cynical remark circulating on social media.

In order to restore public trust, drastic measures should be taken to strengthen social and legal norms. Professional investigations by the police, stern sanctions imposed by Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati on Rafael, as well as strict sanctions by educational institutions on all relevant students are already appropriate and need appreciation. However, follow-up steps to deal with the case are far more important. Families, educational institutions and the government should ensure there will be no more Marios and Rafaels.

This article was translated by Aris Prawira.