SAMOSIR | INDATANEWS.COM - Prosecutors at the Samosir District Prosecutor's Office in North Sumatra have sought a four-year prison sentence and a fine of 250 million rupiah for Fitri Agust Karo-Karo over the alleged misuse of financial assistance intended to help victims of the 2024 flash floods in Samosir Regency rebuild their livelihoods.
The prosecution presented its sentencing demands on Monday, 12 October 2026, before the Corruption Court at Medan District Court. Fitri Agust Karo-Karo, who headed the Social Affairs and Community and Village Empowerment Office in Samosir Regency at the time of the alleged offence, is standing trial in the case.
Prosecutors have also asked the court to order her to pay 516,298,000 rupiah in compensation in connection with the administration of government assistance intended for residents affected by the disaster.
Prosecutors Cite Anti-Corruption Law
During the hearing, prosecutors argued that Fitri Agust Karo-Karo was guilty of corruption under the principal charge. Their sentencing demands are based on Article 2, paragraph 1, in conjunction with Article 18 of Law No. 31 of 1999 on the Eradication of Corruption, as amended by Law No. 20 of 2001.
"The prosecution requests that the defendant be declared legally and conclusively guilty of the offence of corruption, as provided for under Article 2, paragraph 1, in conjunction with Article 18 of Law No. 31 of 1999 on the Eradication of Corruption, as amended by Law No. 20 of 2001, as charged in the principal indictment," the prosecution said when presenting its sentencing demands.
Prosecutors sought four years' imprisonment, with time already spent in detention to be deducted from the sentence. They also requested that the defendant remain in custody in accordance with the applicable legal provisions.
The prosecution further sought a fine of 250 million rupiah. If she fails to pay, prosecutors have requested a substitute prison term of three months.
The sentencing demands represent the prosecution's assessment of the evidence and facts presented during the trial. The court must consider the evidence, witness statements, relevant legislation and the defence's arguments before delivering its verdict.
PROSECUTORS SEEK CONVICTION: Prosecutors argue that Fitri Agust Karo-Karo is guilty of corruption under the principal charge and have asked the judicial panel to impose the requested sentence. (PHOTO: Archive)
Prosecutors Seek Rp516.29 Million in Compensation
In addition to imprisonment and the fine, prosecutors have asked the court to order Fitri Agust Karo-Karo to pay 516,298,000 rupiah in compensation.
Under the applicable anti-corruption legislation, if the defendant fails to pay the compensation within one month of the verdict becoming legally binding, her assets may be seized and sold in accordance with the law to meet the obligation.
The case has attracted public interest because it concerns financial assistance intended to help communities recover economically after a natural disaster. Such programmes are designed to restore livelihoods, revive income-generating activities and support affected residents as they rebuild their lives.
The prosecution of alleged irregularities highlights the importance of transparent and accountable management of public funds. However, the sentencing demands do not constitute a final judgment, and the court must assess the evidence and the defendant's defence before determining the outcome.
HEARING ON SENTENCING DEMANDS: Samosir District Chief Prosecutor Akwan Annas attends the hearing with his prosecution team in the alleged corruption case involving economic assistance for flash flood victims in Samosir Regency. (PHOTO: Archive)
Samosir Prosecutors Reaffirm Commitment to Law Enforcement
The Samosir District Prosecutor's Office reaffirmed its commitment to professional, transparent and accountable law enforcement, particularly in corruption cases involving government assistance and public funds.
The hearing was attended by Samosir District Chief Prosecutor Akwan Annas, S.H., M.H., accompanied by Herman Ronald M.P., S.H., M.H., coordinator of the prosecution team and head of the special crimes division.
Prosecutors Arina Pandiangan, S.H., and Modana Hutajulu, S.H., also attended the hearing.
The next stage of proceedings will depend on the court's schedule and the judicial panel's assessment of the case. The judges will examine the prosecution's demands alongside the evidence and arguments presented by both sides before deciding on the charges against Fitri Agust Karo-Karo.
The case also underscores the need to ensure that disaster recovery assistance reaches its intended recipients and is managed in accordance with the law. (IDNC)
REPORTER: Ahmad Zulfikar | EDITOR: Fik Sagala