Habiburokhman, Chairman of Commission III, has voiced his perspective on the recent verdict concerning Fandi Ramadhan. Fandi, a ship crew member (ABK) on the vessel Sea Dragon Terawa, initially faced the grave prospect of a death sentence in a high-profile drug trafficking case. However, in a significant development, he was ultimately sentenced to five years in prison.
“The judges in this instance clearly understood that, based on Article 98 of the New Criminal Procedure Code (KUHAP Baru), the death penalty is not a primary punishment but rather a last resort, to be applied with extreme selectivity. The court also appeared to adhere to the guidelines of the new Criminal Code (KUHP), which prioritizes both substantive and rehabilitative justice,” stated Habiburokhman, as quoted from his Instagram account, @habiburokhmanjkttimur, on Thursday (5/3).
He further commended the dedicated efforts of Fandi’s legal defense team, who passionately advocated for his acquittal, firmly believing in his innocence. Their tireless work played a crucial role in the outcome.
Despite acknowledging the commendable work, Habiburokhman emphasized, “However, we in Commission III cannot technically intervene in the judicial proceedings themselves.”
While expressing relief that Fandi was spared the death penalty, Habiburokhman confirmed that Commission III remains committed to summoning the relevant parties involved in Fandi’s prosecution. This proactive step underscores their dedication to upholding justice.
“We will still summon the investigators and prosecutors involved in this case to examine the fulfillment of the suspect’s or convicted person’s rights, from the very beginning of the case until the verdict delivered yesterday,” Habiburokhman elaborated, highlighting the comprehensive review process planned.
A Glimpse into Fandi’s Case
The incident that entangled Fandi occurred on May 14, 2025, when he participated in loading cargo onto the Kapal Sea Dragon Terawa, which was bound for Phuket, Thailand. Five other crew members—Richard Halomoan, Lea Candra Samosir, Hasiholan Samosir, along with two Thai nationals, Teerapong Lekpradube and Weerepat Phongwan—were also onboard.
Fandi clearly recognized his limited authority and power, understanding he was in no position to question the captain about why goods were being transferred at sea instead of at an official port, nor to inquire about the mysterious contents of the cargo.
The illicit consignment consisted of 67 brown boxes, each meticulously wrapped in clear plastic. A detailed breakdown revealed that 66 of these boxes contained 30 green plastic packets of “Guanyinwang” brand Chinese tea, with each packet concealing a quantity of methamphetamine.
The remaining box held an additional 20 green plastic packets, similarly branded as Chinese tea, which contained crystal methamphetamine powder of Group I. The staggering net weight of this particular portion alone was 1,995,139 grams, equating to almost 2 tons of narcotics.
“I was merely a newly joined crew member; it was inconceivable for me to muster the courage to ask. I possessed no rights, no authority, no audacity, and lacked the experience to properly assess the situation at that critical moment,” Fandi recounted, reflecting on his precarious position.
At that time, Fandi’s sole understanding was that the captain’s orders were absolute and demanded strict adherence—a fundamental reality in the hierarchical world of maritime operations.
He was simply commanded to transport the boxes, powerless to ask about their contents or the rationale behind loading them in the open sea. This situation powerfully illustrates the entrenched power dynamics within the maritime industry, where a subordinate crew member often feels unable to defy a superior’s direct command.
Summary
Fandi Ramadhan, a ship crew member, has been sentenced