7-Year Sentence for Prosecutor Azam Underscores Commitment to Eradicating Corruption Among Law Enforcement Officials
JAKARTA – The Corruption Crimes Court (Tipikor) at the Central Jakarta District Court has handed down firm verdicts to three defendants in a corruption case involving the misappropriation of returned evidence worth IDR 11.7 billion. This ruling reaffirms the court’s commitment to upholding the integrity of law enforcement institutions.
Central Jakarta District Court spokesperson, Andi Saputra, stated that prosecutor Azam Akhmad Akhsya was sentenced to 7 years in prison and fined IDR 250 million, with a subsidiary penalty of 3 months’ imprisonment.
“This sentence is heavier than the prosecutor’s demand of only 4 years. The panel of judges considered the defendant’s actions to go beyond mere gratification, constituting systematic coercion,” emphasized Andi Saputra.
Chief Judge Sunoto ruled that the two other defendants, lawyers Oktavianus Setiawan and Bonifasius Gunung, were also found guilty. They were sentenced to 4 years and 6 months, and 4 years in prison respectively, each with similar fines. In its considerations, the panel stated that Article 12 letter e of the Anti-Corruption Law was more appropriately applied to Azam, as he was proven to have abused his authority as an executing prosecutor.
This verdict also revealed the administrative manipulation orchestrated by Azam over a 16-month period. During that time, he created 137 fictitious groups to fragment returned funds totaling IDR 53.7 billion. As a result, 912 victims from the SIF Association suffered losses of up to IDR 17.8 billion.
The embezzled funds were used for various personal interests, including insurance payments, deposits, property purchases, and even an umrah pilgrimage. The panel also assessed that Azam’s attempts to conceal fund flows using duplicate documents and third-party accounts indicated organized corruption.
Andi Saputra added that the court had ordered the restitution of assets to the victims, including cash and insurance policies totaling IDR 8.7 billion, as well as the auction of properties registered under Azam’s wife’s name.
“This ruling also serves as a stern reminder that anyone who abuses power will be prosecuted fairly and transparently,” added Andi Saputra.
The verdict has drawn public attention as it involves a law enforcement official who should have been at the forefront of anti-corruption efforts. The panel’s decision is expected to strengthen public trust in a firm and impartial legal system.
