DIGIVESTASI - Former Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs, Mahfud MD, expressed his astonishment at the 6.5-year prison sentence handed down to businessman Harvey Moeis. Mahfud mentioned that the prosecutor had previously demanded a 12-year prison sentence, along with a fine of IDR 1 billion and restitution of IDR 210 billion. However, the judge’s decision instead only imposed half of that demand.

“This doesn’t make sense and disrupts the sense of justice. Harvey Moeis was charged with corruption and Money Laundering (TPPU) involving IDR 300 trillion,” Mahfud tweeted through his Twitter account @mohmahfudmd on Thursday (26/12).

Mahfud also asked, “Oh God, how is this possible?” regarding the decision, which he believed was not in line with the prosecution’s demands.

The 6.5-year prison sentence for Harvey Moeis was handed down by the Corruption Court (Tipikor) on Monday (23/12), along with a fine of IDR 1 billion and an additional six-month prison term if the fine is not paid. Additionally, Harvey was ordered to pay restitution of IDR 210 billion, which must be paid no later than one month after the court's final verdict.

In its ruling, the court stated that Harvey was found guilty of corruption in the management of tin commodity trade in the Mining Business License (IUP) area at PT Timah Tbk between 2015 and 2022, along with money laundering.

Although the defendant was proven guilty, the sentence handed down was much lighter than the prosecutor's demand. The judge decided that the prosecutor's demands were too heavy, considering the nature of Harvey's offense.

“The panel of judges considered that the prison sentence demands were too harsh in comparison to the defendant’s mistakes,” said the Chief Judge Eko Aryanto during the trial at the Central Jakarta Corruption Court.

The judge also stated that PT Timah Tbk and PT Refined Bangka Tin (RBT) did not conduct illegal mining in Bangka Belitung as both companies held Mining Business Licenses (IUP) and Mining Service Business Licenses (IUJP). Moreover, the lighter sentence was also given due to Harvey's good behavior during the trial, his family responsibilities, and his lack of prior criminal record.

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