Muhammad Aulia, Jakarta – Prosecutors on Thursday recommended a prison sentence of 13 years and eight months for Supreme Court Secretary Hasbi Hasan, who is accused of accepting Rp 11.2 billion ($718,848) in bribes.

During the hearing at the Central Jakarta District Court, lead prosecutor Ariawan Agustiartono demanded that Hasbi be fined Rp 1 billion and ordered to return Rp 3.88 billion in stolen money, or his assets will be seized by the state.

"If he does not have enough assets to cover the fine and damages payment, his jail sentence must be extended by another three years," Ariawan said as he read aloud the demand.

The defendant has tarnished the reputation of the Supreme Court, fabricated testimonies throughout his trial, and disregarded the government's anti-corruption campaign, prosecutors said.

The only mitigating factor is that he had no prior criminal record.

"Just one word from me: tyrant!" Hasbi said when asked for his response to the prosecution's demand.

Hasbi is accused of accepting Rp 11.2 billion from individuals seeking a favorable ruling from the Supreme Court in a civil case against private lender Intidana.

According to court documents, Hasbi shared the money with a middleman named Dadan Tri Yudianto, who previously served as an independent commissioner of the state-owned construction company Wijaya Karya.

Earlier this month, Dadan was sentenced to five years in prison in connection with the bribery case. Prosecutors, who sought a prison sentence of 11 years and 5 months for Dadan, immediately lodged an appeal.

Source: https://jakartaglobe.id/news/supreme-court-secretary-hasbi-hasan-faces-over-13-years-in-priso