Tuesday, 26 May 2026
MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM ~ The Corruption Court at the Medan District Court has acquitted Amsal Chrity Sitepu in a high-profile corruption case related to the production of village profile videos in Karo Regency. Prosecutors had previously sought a two-year prison sentence, alleging state losses amounting to Rp202,161,980.
Presiding Judge Mohammad Yusafrihardi Girsang ruled that the defendant was not proven guilty under either the primary or subsidiary charges. The court also ordered the full restoration of Amsal's rights, dignity, and reputation."The defendant is hereby acquitted of all charges brought by the public prosecutor, and his rights are fully restored," the judge stated during the verdict hearing, which drew emotional reactions from the courtroom.
The panel of judges concluded that Amsal Sitepu was not involved in any criminal wrongdoing in the project to produce profile videos for 20 villages in Karo Regency. The court found insufficient evidence to support claims of financial misconduct or state losses.
Following the ruling, the judges ordered Amsal's immediate release from detention and emphasized the importance of restoring his personal and professional standing.
Parliament Steps In with Detention Guarantee
Prior to the verdict, Amsal had been granted a suspension of detention following a formal guarantee submitted by Hinca Panjaitan, a member of Commission III of Indonesia's House of Representatives (DPR RI).Hinca stated that the request was part of a follow-up to a public hearing held by Commission III, which advocated for fair legal treatment in the case. After submitting the request, Amsal was released from Tanjunggusta Detention Center and escorted back for trial proceedings.
Amsal expressed gratitude upon his release, saying, "I thank everyone for their support. This freedom represents not only mine but also a broader freedom for creative economy workers across Indonesia."
Lawmakers Emphasize Protection for Creative Industry
Commission III of the DPR RI highlighted the need for law enforcement to prioritize substantive justice over rigid legal formalities. Lawmakers argued that creative work, such as videography, does not have fixed pricing standards, making allegations like price mark-ups difficult to substantiate.The commission also warned that the case could set a negative precedent for Indonesia's creative industry if not handled carefully. It urged the judiciary to base decisions on factual evidence presented during the trial.
Following the suspension of detention, dozens of congratulatory flower boards were seen outside the Medan detention center and the Corruption Court, signaling public and political support for Amsal. (IDNC)REPORTER: Darmailawati | EDITOR: Fik Sagala
