The defense statement (pleading) agenda in the trial of case Number 213/Pid.B/2026/PN Bks at the Bekasi City District Court on Monday (13/7/2026) became a legal highlight. The defendant with the initials PPP, a civil servant within the Ministry of Transportation, through his legal counsel, Djoko Susanto, S.H., emphasized that the public prosecutor's indictment lacks a strong criminal basis.
Djoko emphasized that this case roots in a long-standing business cooperation between the defendant and the complainant. He mentioned that the past success of the cooperation—where the complainant enjoyed profits—serves as proof that their relationship was purely civil, rather than a fraudulent act of a criminal nature.
In the defense brief, the legal team highlighted inconsistencies regarding the loss amount stated in the indictment of IDR 866 million, which contrasts with the complainant's court testimony regarding a remaining obligation of IDR 520 million. According to Djoko, this inaccuracy in the indictment's construction violates the principle of legal certainty and demonstrates the weak foundation of continuing the case in the criminal realm.
Furthermore, Djoko quoted criminal law expert Dr. Budiono, S.H., M.Hum., who stated that the element of criminal intent (*mens rea*) was not met in this case. He added that criminal law should serve as a last resort (*ultimum remedium*) and must not be used as a tool to pressure another party in a business contract dispute that should properly be resolved through breach of contract mechanisms.
Closing the defense, the legal team requested the Panel of Judges to grant a judgment discharging the defendant from all legal prosecution (*onslag van alle rechtsvervolging*). They expressed hope that the court can strictly distinguish between civil and criminal law domains, for the sake of upholding justice and the principle of *due process of law* in Indonesia.
