Two Expert Witnesses Presented to Strengthen Hasyim Asy'ari's Allegations of Immoral Acts

The complainant presented two expert witnesses to strengthen the argument that KPU Chairman Hasyim Asy'ari alleged immoral acts.

AYU NURFAIZAH UNTUK KOMPAS

The hearing session for alleged violations of the Code of Ethics for Election Organizers (KEPP) took place at the Election Organizer Honorary Council (DKPP) office in Menteng, Central Jakarta, on Monday (27/2/2023).

JAKARTA, KOMPAS — Two expert witnesses were presented to strengthen the argument that there was power relations or abuse of office in the case of alleged immoral acts by the Chairman of the General Election Commission, Hasyim Asy'ari, against members of the Dutch Overseas Election Committee. Meanwhile, Hasyim feels that he has been judged because the main points of the complaint in the closed session were actually conveyed to the public.

The first investigative hearing on alleged ethical violations with defendant Hasyim Asy'ari was held at the office of the Election Organizer Honorary Council (DKPP), Jakarta, Wednesday (22/5/2024). The trial, which was attended directly by Hasyim and the complainant, a female member of the Dutch Overseas Election Committee (PPLN), lasted behind closed doors for 8.5 hours. During the trial, the complainant was accompanied by his legal team from the Legal Aid Consultation Institute, Faculty of Law, University of Indonesia (LKBH FHUI).

The victims' party also presented two expert witnesses, namely member of the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM), Anis Hidayah, and member of the National Commission on Violence Against Women (Komnas Perempuan), Dewi Kanti.

The victim's attorney, Aristo Pangaribuan, after the trial revealed that his party had presented expert witnesses in the trial to strengthen the argument that Chairman of the KPU Hasyim Asy'ari had abused his position and used official facilities to fulfill his personal desires against a member of PPLN Netherlands. The two expert witnesses came from Komnas HAM and Komnas Perempuan. Both confirm what the applicant postulates.

KOMPAS/DIAN DEWI PURNAMASARI

Aristo Pangaribuan, the legal representative of the Dutch PPLN member who was allegedly a victim of sexual abuse by KPU Chairman Hasyim Asy'ari, gave a statement to the media after the first hearing at the DKPP building on Wednesday (May 22, 2024).

"After a lengthy trial, the accused KPU Chairman denied the allegations. However, we have presented plenty of evidence and will continue to add more. The trial will not conclude today because there are many suspicions that need to be uncovered," said Aristo.

Two expert witnesses were presented to speak about Law No. 12 of 2022 regarding Sexual Violence Criminal Acts (TPKS). This is because one of the tasks of both institutions is indeed to monitor the framework of the TPKS law.

Arsito is optimistic that their request will be granted because the evidence presented is quite strong.

The legal representative of other victims, Maria Dianita Prosperiani, believes that the DKPP pays great attention to the rights of victims. The questions asked by DKPP members do not corner women as complainants and victims.

KOMPAS/RONY ARIYANTO NUGROHO

Chairman of the KPU, Hasyim Asyari, listened to the statement from Chairman of the DKPP, Heddy Lugito, during the hearing of the Election Dispute Settlement (PHPU) at the Constitutional Court (MK) in Jakarta on Friday (5/4/2024).

"At first, this was a case that was related to things done and that harmed the complainant. However, it turns out that this could involve other things," said Maria.

Aristo revealed that his team has found several initial indications regarding the abuse of position and structured facilities. The abuse is even described as deeper than what was previously complained about. Therefore, in the next hearing, DKPP will summon all levels of the KPU, including Secretary General of KPU Bernard Dermawan Sutrisno.

"Earlier, we added about four to five crucial pieces of evidence that became the topics of questions. Most of them are somewhat sensitive conversations," he said.

Throughout the trial, the victim was also accompanied by a clinical psychologist and teams from the National Human Rights Commission and the National Commission on Violence Against Women. They provided advice when the victim was not able to control herself in giving testimony.

ALIF ICHWAN

Several female activists held a demonstration in the motor vehicle-free area of Bundaran HI, Jakarta on Sunday (25/8/2019), urging the government to immediately pass the Sexual Violence Eradication Bill.

The victim decided to attend the court session because they wanted to fight for their own fate. The victim also wanted to confront and directly explain the situation they were facing. The DKPP appreciates the victim's decision to attend as it facilitates questioning and answering between the complainant, defendant, and the DKPP panel.

The trial of the alleged ethical violation was held behind closed doors. Parties present are prohibited from bringing cell phones into the courtroom.

Feeling judged

Speaking after the hearing, Hasyim expressed disappointment because the legal counsel actually disclosed the main points of the case to the public. Even though the ethics hearing at DKPP is supposed to be closed.

Hasyim even cautioned that discussing responses to topics outside of the trial would actually be problematic. "Now, the trial is already underway, it has already happened, and then I follow, listen, and pay attention. I also respond to accusations made against me," said Hasyim.

DIAN DEWI PURNAMASARI

KPU Chairman Hasyim Asy'ari gave a statement to the media after a trial examining alleged ethical violations at the DKPP Building, Wednesday (22/5/2024).

Hasyim also considers the publication to the media when the case is registered with DKPP as a step ahead of the trial. "It is our joint commitment as those involved in the trial that because the hearing is closed, then also what happens or develops inside will not be consumed by the public," he said.

The material presented by the legal counsel to the public, according to Hasyim, has already touched on the points of the complaint, leaving him feeling disadvantaged. This is because the allegations were made before the trial was held at the Election Commission Ethics Council. He also feels that he has already been judged for the actions accused in the heart of the case.

"I have answered everything. Basically, I deny all of the accusations or evidence presented against me because they do not align with the actual facts," he said.

Hasyim added that there are several points of the core issues accused against him which he denies as he feels it's not in accordance with the facts. When asked further about the alleged abuse of power, Hasyim refused to answer as it was deemed to have entered the substance or details of the matter.

WILLY MEDI CHRISTIAN NABABAN

The atmosphere of the case decision hearing at the DKPP Building, Jakarta, Monday (3/4/2023), regarding allegations of intimidation and manipulation of political party data verification.

Regarding Hasyim's accusation, Aristo denies ever leaking information to the media conducting investigative and in-depth coverage. According to him, he only provided answers to the legal arguments presented by his client.