Following his acquittal in an alleged incitement case stemming from a riotous protest in August 2025, Lokataru Executive Director Delpedro Marhaen and his co-defendants are now eligible to seek compensation. This significant development was announced by Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, and Security, Yusril Ihza Mahendra, opening a new avenue for those wrongfully accused under recent legal reforms.
Yusril clarified that Delpedro Marhaen can pursue material compensation for the arrest and detention he endured by filing a pre-trial review (praperadilan). This specific mechanism, designed to address such grievances, has been formally enshrined within the provisions of Indonesia’s new Criminal Procedure Code (KUHAP).
The appropriate venue for this pre-trial review is the Central Jakarta District Court, the very court that presided over and ultimately adjudicated Delpedro Marhaen‘s primary case. This streamlines the process, ensuring continuity in judicial oversight.
However, Yusril emphasized a crucial procedural point: requests for compensation cannot be submitted directly to the law enforcement officials who initially handled the case of Delpedro Marhaen and his associates. Adherence to the stipulated judicial channels is paramount for legitimacy.
“Based on Articles 176 and 177 of the new KUHAP, the same judge who examined the main case is empowered to hear the application for compensation during the pre-trial review session,” Yusril stated in a written declaration on Saturday, March 7th. This provision aims to ensure judicial consistency and efficiency in such claims.
Further elaborating on the legal framework, Yusril added, “The provision of compensation must follow the pre-trial review mechanism, as stipulated in Articles 173, 174, and 175 of the new KUHAP. Regardless of the court’s ultimate decision, the government is bound by and will respect that ruling.” This underscores the government’s commitment to upholding judicial outcomes under the updated legal system.
Yusril explicitly encouraged Delpedro Marhaen and his co-defendants to exercise their right by filing the pre-trial review. Should their claim be granted, Yusril highlighted, Delpedro Marhaen could become the first individual to fully leverage the benefits introduced by the new KUHAP, setting a significant precedent in Indonesian legal history.
“If Delpedro Marhaen submits a pre-trial application to demand compensation, he may well be the first to utilize this mechanism established in the new KUHAP. Who knows, the court’s decision could even become jurisprudence for handling similar cases in the future,” Yusril remarked, acknowledging the potential long-term impact of such a ruling.
Regarding the Delpedro Marhaen case, Yusril noted that the panel of judges had already included an order to rehabilitate his rights in their verdict. Consequently, Yusril believes that President Prabowo Subianto would not need to exercise his prerogative to issue a separate rehabilitation decree if Delpedro Marhaen proceeds with the pre-trial review.
“The panel of judges has explicitly declared the rehabilitation of the reputation, capabilities, and dignity of Delpedro Marhaen and his co-defendants. Therefore, the right to rehabilitation guaranteed by law has already been fulfilled through the court’s decision, rendering it unnecessary for the President to issue a rehabilitation decree, even if Delpedro Marhaen were to request it,” Yusril explained, clarifying the scope of the judicial ruling.
The outcome of the Delpedro Marhaen case also serves as a poignant reminder to law enforcement officials to exercise extreme caution in executing arrests, detentions, and prosecutions. This case highlights the profound responsibility inherent in their duties.
“If the preliminary evidence is not sufficiently robust, law enforcement officials should reconsider making arrests, detentions, let alone proceeding with prosecutions in court. Because if, in the end, the defendant is acquitted by the court, the state is obligated to rehabilitate and provide compensation for the suffering incurred due to such legal processes,” Yusril emphatically stated, underscoring the state’s accountability.
Reflecting on previous interactions, Yusril recalled advising Delpedro Marhaen and his peers to navigate the legal process with integrity and resilience.
“I previously asked Delpedro Marhaen not to complain when he was arrested and detained. As an activist, he needed to bravely conduct his defense in a gentlemanly manner, both during investigation and court proceedings. He has indeed done so,” Yusril affirmed, commending Delpedro Marhaen‘s resolve.
Ultimately, Delpedro Marhaen was acquitted in the alleged incitement case related to the riotous protest in August 2025. This verdict marked a significant victory for the activist and his legal team, challenging the prosecution’s claims.
A similar verdict of acquittal was also handed down to three other defendants involved in the case: Muzaffar Salim, a staff member of the Lokataru Foundation; Syahdan Husein, an administrator for “Gejayan Memanggil”; and Khariq Anhar, a Riau University student and social media activist. Their collective acquittal reinforces the court’s assessment of the evidence presented.
“Therefore, acquitting the defendants from all charges brought by the public prosecutor,” declared Chief Judge Harika Nova Yeri, reading out the verdict during the session at the Central Jakarta District Court on Friday, February 6th. Her pronouncement was met with an outburst of cheers from the courtroom spectators, celebrating the outcome.
In its deliberations, the court determined that the public prosecutor failed to demonstrate that the content uploaded by Delpedro Marhaen and his co-defendants on social media contained false news. Furthermore, there was no compelling evidence to prove that their actions had incited the masses to riot, leading to the decisive acquittal.
Summary
Lokataru Executive Director Delpedro Marhaen and