Wednesday, 20 May 2026
MEDAN, Indonesia | INDATANEWS.COM - The Legal Aid Institute of Medan (LBH Medan) has strongly criticized the verdict issued by the Military High Court I Medan in the case involving the death of 15-year-old MHS, alleging that the ruling fails to deliver justice for the victim and his family.
The case is linked to alleged acts of violence involving non-commissioned officer Sertu Riza Pahlivi, which reportedly resulted in the teenager's death. LBH Medan argues that the court's decision does not reflect adequate accountability.The victim's mother, Lenny Damanik, also expressed deep disappointment, stating that the ruling upheld a 10-month prison sentence without imposing dismissal from military service.
Read Also:Appeal Decision Upholds Initial Verdict
LBH Medan Director Irvan Saputra, S.H., M.H., stated that Military High Court I Medan reviewed the appeal filed by military prosecutor Major Muhammad Tecki W, S.H., M.H., and ultimately affirmed the original ruling.
Under Decision No. 108-K/PMT.I/BDG/AD/XI/2025 dated January 22, 2025, the court maintained the 10-month imprisonment sentence for Sertu Riza Pahlivi. The only modification concerned evidentiary items, including a bladed weapon known as an "egrek," which was ordered to be destroyed. Court costs amounting to IDR 15,000 were also imposed on the defendant.The ruling largely confirmed the earlier decision issued by the Military Court I-02 Medan on October 20, 2025.
Read Also:
Irvan Saputra further criticized the fact that the victim's family effectively lost the opportunity to file a cassation appeal (kasasi).
Read Also:"Legally, Lenny Damanik has the right to submit a cassation request through the military prosecutor within 14 days after the verdict is delivered," he explained.
However, LBH Medan stated that the family only received information about the ruling approximately three months after it was issued, effectively eliminating their chance to pursue further legal action.
Allegations of Procedural Violations and Call for ReformLBH Medan also questioned the conduct of the military prosecutor, alleging delays in communicating the verdict. The organization argued that this raised serious concerns regarding the protection of victims' rights.
Read Also:Irvan described the situation as a potential violation of the fundamental rights of the victim's family, while also criticizing both the leniency of the sentence and the absence of dismissal from military service.
The prosecution had reportedly demanded only one year of imprisonment and compensation of IDR 12,777,100—significantly below the maximum penalty of up to 15 years under Indonesia's Child Protection Law.
LBH Medan is calling for comprehensive military justice reform in Indonesia in line with TAP MPR VII/2000, military law provisions, and judicial regulations, emphasizing that military personnel accused of general crimes should be tried in civilian courts.Allegations of Human Rights Concerns
Read Also:The organization further stated that the proceedings indicate possible violations of human rights and fair trial principles. LBH Medan cited international standards, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. (IDNC)
REPORTER: Darmailawati | EDITOR: Fik Sagala
Read Also:
