Wednesday, 20 May 2026
MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM ~ LBH Medan has sharply criticized the North Sumatra Prosecutor's Office over its handling of an alleged embezzlement case involving disputed post-divorce assets. The legal aid organization argues that the proceedings lack legal certainty and have progressed too slowly despite substantial evidence already being submitted.
Case Background and Court Ruling
The case was filed by Arjoni against Heri Rahman and concerns the alleged failure to transfer joint marital property following a divorce settlement. The dispute had previously been ruled on by the Tanjung Balai Religious Court on September 19, 2018, which ordered the division of assets, including a 2011 Toyota Avanza with license plate BK 1264 VQ.
Read Also:
According to LBH Medan, the vehicle was never handed over as ordered by the court and subsequently disappeared without clear explanation.
Investigation and Embezzlement Allegations
Read Also:
The case was reported to the North Sumatra Regional Police (Polda Sumut) on May 21, 2021, triggering an investigation into suspected embezzlement. Investigators from the General Crime Directorate later named Heri Rahman as a suspect on January 8, 2025.
Although the defense filed a pretrial motion (praperadilan), the Medan District Court rejected the request, allowing the investigation to proceed.
Repeated File Returns Under P19 Status
LBH Medan Deputy Director Muhammad Ali Nafiah Matondang stated that the case file has been repeatedly returned by the prosecutor's office under the P19 status, requiring additional expert opinions, including from Islamic law and criminal law specialists.
Read Also:
He criticized this process, saying it reflects structural issues and a lack of professionalism in handling the case.
"We see indications of unprofessional conduct and possible bias in the handling of this case," Muhammad Ali said emphasized in an official statement on Monday, April 13, 2026.
Read Also:
Complaint Escalated to Attorney General
LBH Medan also highlighted poor communication and lack of transparency throughout the legal process. A formal complaint was submitted to the internal oversight division of the North Sumatra Prosecutor's Office in August 2025, but no response has been received.
Due to the absence of follow-up, the organization escalated the complaint to Indonesia's Attorney General's Office and the Prosecutorial Commission in March 2026. LBH Medan is now urging the case file to be upgraded to P21 status, allowing it to proceed to trial.
"The rule of law must guarantee fast, simple, and transparent justice for all citizens," Muhammad Ali added. (IDNC)
Read Also:
REPORTER: Darmailawati | EDITOR: Fik Sagala
