A significant corruption case in North Sumatra has seen the former Head of the PUPR (Public Works and Public Housing Agency) for the province, Topan Obaja Putri Ginting, face a demand for a 5-year and 6-month prison sentence. The charges stem from a fraudulent road project in Sipiongot, an indictment that underscores ongoing efforts to combat graft in Indonesia.
During a court session held on Thursday, March 5th, the Public Prosecutor (JPU) from the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) formally presented the charges. Alongside Ginting, the second defendant, Rasuli Efendi Siregar, who served as the Head of the UPTD (Technical Implementation Unit) Gunung Tua at the North Sumatra PUPR Provincial Office, was also present as his demand was read.
“We seek a sentence of 5 years and 6 months in prison for defendant I (Topan Ginting) and 4 years for defendant II, Rasuli Efendi Siregar,” stated Prosecutor Eko Wahyu Prayitno as he delivered the formal demands. This highlights the differing levels of alleged culpability and involvement between the two officials.
Eko Wahyu Prayitno elaborated that both defendants were found to have committed criminal acts of corruption as outlined in the initial indictment. Specifically, they were proven to have received illicit funds of Rp 50 million each. Furthermore, Ginting was promised a commitment fee of 4% of the contract value, while Siregar was promised 1% of the contract value. These “commitment fees” are a common modus operandi in corruption schemes, signifying a kickback for facilitating projects.
Beyond the prison terms, the prosecution also sought substantial financial penalties. Both Topan Ginting and Rasuli Efendi Siregar were demanded to pay a fine of Rp 200 million each. Should these fines not be paid, an alternative subsidiary sentence of 80 days in detention would be imposed, emphasizing the seriousness of the financial repercussions.
Additionally, Topan Ginting faces an obligation to pay restitution to the state amounting to Rp 50 million. This payment is mandated to be settled no later than one month after the court’s final and binding verdict, reinforcing the principle of recovering state losses due to corruption.
Addressing the court, the prosecutor outlined several mitigating factors considered for both Topan and Rasuli. These included the fact that neither defendant had prior criminal convictions, and both have family dependents, which can sometimes influence sentencing considerations.
Conversely, the aggravating circumstances presented a stark contrast. The prosecution argued that the defendants’ actions actively undermined government and societal efforts to eradicate corruption. Specifically, in Topan Ginting’s case, the prosecutor highlighted his refusal to admit his wrongdoings and his apparent lack of remorse, factors that typically weigh heavily against an accused.
“Indeed, Topan himself did not return the Rp 50 million. He also showed no regret for his actions and did not acknowledge them,” Prosecutor Eko affirmed. This particular detail underscored the prosecution’s view on the severity of Ginting’s alleged conduct and his stance during the investigation and trial.
Eko further clarified that the specific prison terms demanded—5 years and 6 months for Topan and 4 years for Rasuli—were a result of thorough considerations meticulously detailed in the demand letter. “Why did we only demand five years? Because we also had various considerations. These considerations were incorporated into our demand letter, leading to the outcome you heard today,” Eko explained following the demanding session, indicating a balanced assessment of the case specifics.
Both defendants have been indicted under Article 12 letter a or Article 11 of the Anti-Corruption Law (Undang-Undang Tipikor) in conjunction with Article 55 paragraph (1) item 1 of the Criminal Code (KUHP). The legal framework underpins the severity of the charges.
The trial is set to continue with the reading of the defense plea (Pledoi), which is scheduled for Thursday, March 12, 2026, marking the next critical stage in these ongoing court proceedings.
Summary
Former North Sumatra PUPR Head, Topan Obaja Putri Ginting, faces a demand for a 5-year and 6-month prison sentence in a corruption case involving a fraudulent road project in Sipiongot. Public prosecutors from the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) also sought a 4-year sentence for Rasuli Efendi Siregar, Head of UPTD Gunung Tua. Both are accused of receiving illicit funds of Rp 50 million each and being promised commitment fees for facilitating the project. Additionally, fines of Rp 200 million each and restitution of Rp 50 million for Ginting were demanded.
The prosecution cited Ginting’s refusal to admit wrongdoing and lack of remorse as aggravating factors, highlighting the undermining of anti-corruption efforts. Mitigating circumstances for both defendants included no prior criminal convictions and having family dependents. The trial will proceed with the defense plea (Pledoi) on March 12, 2026, under charges related to the Anti-Corruption Law.