AGO Recalls Karo District Attorney Amid Amsal Sitepu Case

The Attorney General’s Office (Kejagung) of the Republic of Indonesia has recalled the Head of the Karo District Prosecutor’s Office (Kajari), Danke Rajagukguk, and the Head of the Special Crimes Section (Kasi Pidsus), Reinhard Harve Sembiring. This action follows allegations of legal violations and ethical misconduct in the handling of a case involving videographer Amsal Christy Sitepu.

The recall comes after significant pressure from the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR). Abdullah, a member of Commission III of the DPR and a PKB politician, has publicly accused Rajagukguk and his staff of violating the new Criminal Procedure Code (KUHAP) under Law Number 1 of 2023.

Allegations of Procedural Violations

The controversy centers on a letter issued by the Karo District Prosecutor’s Office regarding the detention of Amsal Christy Sitepu. According to Abdullah, the letter misrepresented a court’s decision. While the panel of judges had decided on a suspension of detention, the document issued by the prosecutor’s office indicated a transfer of detention.

Abdullah described this action as a violation of the new KUHAP and urged the Attorney General’s Office to impose strict sanctions on the personnel involved. He specifically cited the use of interventions and propaganda in the suspension of Sitepu’s detention as grounds for disciplinary action.

Beyond the procedural errors, We find further allegations regarding the treatment of the defendant. The North Sumatra High Prosecutor’s Office (Kejati) has conducted examinations of Danke Rajagukguk and Reinhard Harve Sembiring to investigate claims of attempted silencing of Amsal Sitepu, who is a defendant in a village fund corruption case.

Political and Institutional Reaction

The involvement of Commission III of the DPR has highlighted concerns regarding the culture of law enforcement in Indonesia. Abdullah criticized the response of the Karo District Prosecutor’s Office to the oversight, suggesting that cornering the commission was a sign of an anti-criticism culture among officials.

He argued that such a culture is no longer relevant in an era of democracy and information openness, stating that it causes institutions to become stagnant and unable to adapt to the spirit of the times. To prevent similar occurrences, the legislator urged the Attorney General’s Office to intensify capacity-building programs for prosecutors across the country.

The Vice Chairman of Commission III of the DPR has expressed support for the Attorney General’s decision to pull the Karo District Attorney from his post following the polemic.

Current Status of the Officials

In the wake of the controversy, Danke Rajagukguk has reportedly admitted to mistakes and issued an apology regarding the handling of the videographer’s case. Despite this, the Attorney General’s Office has moved to secure the officials for further investigation.

Recent reports indicate that while the officials have been recalled to the Attorney General’s Office, Rajagukguk remained silent when questioned about specific demands for his permanent removal from office.

The Attorney General’s Office continues to examine the personnel of the Karo District Prosecutor’s Office to determine the extent of the ethical and procedural breaches and to decide on the appropriate sanctions.