Defamation Trial; Luhut Pandjaitan Irked by Lord Title

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Pandjaitan stated that the nickname 'Lord' assigned by activists Haris Azhar and Fatia Maulidiyanty in their YouTube video is demeaning to him.

Luhut made the statement as a witness at the defamation trial with the defendants Haris and Fatia at the East Jakarta District Court, Thursday, June 8, 2023. 

The two activists are accused of defaming the state official due to their discussion on Haris’ YouTube video regarding the report of alleged human rights violations and environmental damage caused by mining projects in Wabu Block, Papua.

“Yes, I think it has negative [meaning] in this context. It’s like [they’re] mocking me. I'm not a young person anymore and I have done a lot in my work. I'm sad,” Luhut said.

In the previous indictment trial, the public prosecutor alluded to the YouTube video of Haris and Fatia discussing high-ranking officials involved in the controversial mining business project in the Wabu Block in Papua.

Fatia said the official in question is Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, and then Haris added 'LBP the Lord. The Lord'. The prosecutor said Haris and Fatia also mentioned retired Indonesian Military (TNI) soldiers and National Police officers taking advantage of the controversial mining project. The video podcast was also titled with ‘Lord Luhut’ on it.

Luhut Pandjaitan denied the claims and filed a complaint against Haris Azhar and Fatia Maulidiyanti to Metro Jaya Police over defamation. Prior to the report, he reportedly issued subpoenas twice to the activists.

DESTY LUTHFIANI

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