Ade Ridwan Yandweputra, Jakarta – The light sentences handed out by the Surabaya District Court toward defendants of the Kanjuruhan football mass stampede disaster has sparked criticism from human rights groups.
Amnesty International Indonesia argued that the court sentences failed to present a sense of justice toward the victims of police power abuse that happened in the tragedy.
Amnesty International Indonesia executive director Usman Hamid questioned this in Thursday's press statement. "Where is the justice for the victims?"
He also lamented authorities that have failed to stick to their pledge towards police accountability, which was not evident as two police officials were released from all charges while other defendants were given light sentences.
"We urge the government to ensure accountability for all security forces involved in the Kanjuruhan Tragedy, including those at the commanding level," said Usman. "This case once again shows a pattern of violence and abuse of power that is deeply rooted and widespread by security forces in Indonesia"
5 Kanjuruhan case defendants sentenced
The Surabaya District Court Panel of Judges has sentenced five defendants to the Kanjuruhan Tragedy in a sentencing hearing on Thursday, March 16.
The five defendants are Has Darmawan (East Java Mobile Brigade Police member), Wahyu Setyo Pranoto (Malang Police Head of Ops), Bambang Sidik Achmadi (Malang Police member), Abdul Haris (Chairman of the Arema FC Competition Committee), and Suko Sutrisno (Security Officer).
In the court ruling, judge Abu Ahmad, sentenced AKP Has Darmawan to 1 year and 6 months in prison, while Kompol Wahyu Setyo Pranoto and AKP Bambang Sidik Achmadi were acquitted; Abdul Haris was sentenced to 1 year and 6 months, and Suko Sutrisno was sentenced to 1 year in prison.