TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesia Corruption Watch (ICW) researcher Kurnia Ramadhana deemed the Supreme Court’s reasons for reducing the sentence of graft convict Edhy Prabowo to five years in prison were absurd. The former Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries was originally sentenced to nine years imprisonment.

“ICW sees factors that lighten [the sentence] as the reasons for the Supreme Court to reduce Edhy Prabowo's sentence are really absurd. If he did a good job and gave hopes to the people, Edhy will surely not be prosecuted by the KPK (anti-graft body),” said Kurnia on Wednesday, March 9.

He argued that the panel of judges seemed to ignore Article 52 of the Criminal Code which emphasized factors that weighed on the state officials who committed a criminal act by using their power, opportunity, or means that are given to them. It is noted in the article that the punishment may be enhanced with one-third, instead of a reduction.

The Supreme Court's decision was feared to be seen as a 'multivitamin' and an encouragement for officials who want to commit corruption. “Because they see how the decisions of the judicial authorities rarely have a deterrent effect,” said Kunia.

On March 7, the Supreme Court reduced the punishment of graft convict Edhy Prabowo in the cassation verdict in considerations that the latter worked well as the minister and gave great hope to the public, particularly fishermen.

Read: Former Minister Edhy Prabowo Sentenced to 9 Years Behind Bars

MOH. KHORY ALFARIZI