Pleidoi Pribadi La Nyalla M. Mattalitti Dalam Dugaan Kasus Korupsi Hibah KADIN Provinsi Jawa Timur

(Liputan6.com)

Oleh:

Tim Hukumindo

Sebelumnya platform Hukumindo.com telah membahas mengenai "How to Avoid Fraud in Investment by Using Legal Tools", lihat juga artikel kami tentang "Contoh Pledoi Pribadi (Karen Agustiawan)", dan pada kesempatan yang berbahagia ini akan dibahas: "Pleidoi La Nyalla M. Mattalitti Dalam Dugaan Kasus Korupsi Hibah KADIN Provinsi Jawa Timur".

Pledoi dalam Undang-Undang Nomor 8 Tahun 1981 tentang Hukum Acara Pidana (“KUHAP”) dikenal dengan istilah pembelaan. Pasal 182 ayat (1) KUHAP mengatur bahwa: a). Setelah pemeriksaan dinyatakan selesai, penuntut umum mengajukan tuntutan pidana; b). Selanjutnya, terdakwa dan/atau penasihat hukum mengajukan pembelaannya yang dapat dijawab oleh penuntut umum, dengan ketentuan bahwa terdakwa atau penasihat hukum selalu mendapat giliran terakhir; c). Tuntutan, pembelaan dan jawaban atas pembelaan dilakukan secara tertulis dan setelah dibacakan, segera diserahkan kepada hakim ketua sidang, dan diserahkan turunannya kepada pihak yang berkepentingan.[1] Sebagaimana aturan tersebut, pleidoi dari pribadi terdakwa adalah diperbolehkan. Berikut adalah Pleidoi La Nyalla M. Mattalitti dalam dugaan kasus korupsi hibah KADIN provinsi Jawa Timur sebagaimana dimaksud:[2]

P L E I D O I

(Nota Pembelaan Pribadi) La Nyalla Mahmud Mattalitti terhadap Surat Tuntutan Jaksa Penuntut Umum

Bismillahirrohmannirrohim

Assalamu’alaikum wr wb

Salam sejahtera untuk kita semua

Yang Mulia Majelis Hakim

Jaksa Penuntut Umum dan hadirin yang saya hormati,

Pertama-tama, saya panjatkan puji syukur kehadirat ALLAH SWT, atas rahmat dan kasih sayang-NYA, kita semua masih diberi kesempatan untuk bertemu dalam keadaan sehat wal afiat.

Yang kedua, ijinkan saya dalam kesempatan ini untuk membacakan nota pembelaan yang terbagi menjadi dua bagian, yang akan saya bacakan sendiri, yakni nota pembelaan saya pribadi, dan nota pembelaan dari tim penasehat hukum saya.

Yang Mulia Majelis Hakim,

Saya adalah orang yang tidak memiliki latar belakang ilmu hukum. Tetapi selama beberapa bulan ini, saya belajar dan mulai memahami dunia ilmu hukum. Saya pun jadi mengerti bagaimana hukum yang seharusnya, dan hukum dalam praktek kenyataannya.

Idealnya, hukum diciptakan untuk menjamin keadilan setiap masyarakat. Tetapi yang saya rasakan dan alami, betapa aparat hukum di kejaksaan begitu bersemangat dan berniat untuk memenjarakan saya. Bukan itu saja, aparat penyidik kejaksaan juga memberi stigma kepada saya seolah saya adalah koruptor kelas kakap dan buronan kelas wahid di Republik ini. bahkan disebut terlibat pencucian uang dengan nilai fantastis. Pernah ditulis dalam sebuah media, ratusan miliar rupiah. Bahkan sejak surat perintah penyidikan dikeluarkan oleh Kejaksaan Tinggi Jawa Timur, sampai hari ini, semua rekening pribadi saya diblokir.

Tetapi saya haqqul yaqin, pintu keadilan tetap terbuka di ruang pengadilan ini. Karena saya percaya, Yang Mulia Majelis Hakim adalah pintu terakhir penjaga keadilan.

Karena itu, sampai saat ini saya menghormati dan menaati keputusan Pengadilan Negeri Surabaya, dimana di dalam Persidangan Pra Peradilan telah diputuskan bahwa penetapan saya sebagai tersangka adalah tidak sah dan penyidikan kembali perkara dana hibah Kadin Jatim sudah tidak dapat dibuka kembali.

Untuk itulah mengapa ketika saya secara paksa ditahan dan diperiksa oleh penyidik kejaksaan, saya tidak bersedia memberikan keterangan. Karena saya menghormati dan menaati putusan Pengadilan.

Tetapi saya juga harus menghormati Putusan Sela yang diputuskan oleh Yang Mulia Majelis Hakim di Pengadilan Negeri Jakarta Pusat, yang menyatakan menolak eksepsi atau keberatan saya atas dakwaan Jaksa Penuntut Umum, dimana dalam putusan tersebut disebutkan dalilnya untuk memeriksa pokok perkara karena dikatakan oleh Jaksa Penuntut Umum bahwa ada bukti baru yang harus diperiksa di persidangan.

Di sinilah dimulai babak yang saya sebut sebagai semangat Jaksa Penuntut Umum untuk memenjarakan saya. Bukan semangat untuk mengadili perkara ini.

Semua pihak di persidangan ini akhirnya melihat dengan mata kepala sendiri, bahwa tidak ada satupun bukti baru dalam perkara ini yang didalilkan oleh Jaksa Penuntut Umum. Bahkan sebaliknya. Saya ulangi, bahkan sebaliknya, alat bukti yang dulu digunakan dalam perkara ini di persidangan Tipikor di Surabaya dengan terdakwa Saudara Diar Kusuma Putra dan Nelson Sembiring, yaitu Dokumen Nota Kesepahaman atau MoU antara Gubernur Jatim dengan saya selaku Ketua Umum Kadin Jatim, justru tidak dimasukkan atau dihilangkan sebagai alat bukti dalam perkara ini. Ada apakah ini?

Padahal alat bukti dokumen MoU itu, dimana dituliskan bahwa Gubernur mendelegasikan kepada SKPD terkait, dan saya selaku Ketua Umum Kadin mendelegasikan kepada para Wakil Ketua Umum Kadin terkait, adalah perintah sekaligus bukti pendelegasian saya kepada wakil-wakil ketua umum Kadin. Ini catatan saya yang pertama.

Yang Mulia Majelis Hakim,

Dari semua saksi fakta yang dihadirkan oleh Jaksa Penuntut Umum tidak satupun saksi yang menyaksikan dan menyebutkan bahwa saya melakukan apa yang didalilkan dalam dakwaan Jaksa Penuntut Umum.

Tidak satupun saksi menyatakan saya terlibat bersama-sama dengan saudara Diar Kusuma Putra dan Nelson Sembiring untuk melakukan tindak pidana korupsi dana hibah Kadin Jatim.

Tidak satu pun saksi menyatakan bahwa saya belum mengembalikan dana hibah sebesar Rp. 5,3 milyar yang digunakan oleh Saudara Diar Kusuma Putra untuk membeli saham IPO Bank Jatim pada tahun yang sama, yakni tahun 2012.

Tetapi apa yang terjadi? Di dalam berkas tuntutan Jaksa Penuntut Umum, dinyatakan dengan subyektif bahwa Jaksa Penuntut Umum tidak meyakini keterangan saksi-saksi fakta tersebut. Padahal saksi-saksi tersebut adalah saksi dari Jaksa Penuntut Umum sendiri?

Bagaimana mungkin keterangan saksi Diar Kusuma Putra dan Nelson Sembiring, baik di dalam BAP maupun di muka persidangan, yang mengakui bahwa mereka telah menerima pengembalian dana hibah Rp. 5,3 milyar yang digunakan oleh Diar Kusuma Putra untuk membeli Saham IPO Bank Jatim di tahun yang sama, tahun 2012, tidak diyakini oleh Jaksa Penuntut Umum?  Ini catatan saya yang kedua.

Yang Mulia Majelis Hakim,

Jaksa Penuntut Umum juga mendalilkan bahwa saya merugikan keuangan negara sebesar Rp. 1,1 milyar, yang timbul dari keuntungan penjualan saham atas nama saya di Bank Jatim. Bagaimana mungkin saham yang telah menjadi milik saya pribadi, setelah saya mengembalikan dana hibah yang digunakan Saudara Diar Kusuma Putra untuk membeli saham IPO tersebut tetap menjadi uang dana hibah? Lantas uang pengembalian dari saya pribadi sebesar Rp. 5,3 milyar yang telah diterima Saudara Diar Kusuma Putra dan Nelson Sembiring di tahun 2012 itu lalu kemana? Bahkan perlu digarisbawahi, bahwa lembaga audit resmi, BPKP tidak pernah menyatakan dalam dokumen auditnya bahwa dana Rp. 1,1 milyar  itu adalah uang negara atau kerugian negara.

Dalam dokumen audit BPKP disebutkan bahwa kerugian negara dalam perkara dana hibah Kadin Jatim selama empat tahun masa kegiatan itu dilakukan oleh Saudara Diar Kusuma Putra dan Nelson Sembiring dengan total kerugian sebesar Rp. 26 milyar. Dan atas kerugian itu, kedua terpidana telah mempertanggung jawabkan secara hukum perbuatannya dan telah mengembalikan kerugian negara tersebut.

Tetapi dalam dakwaan dan tuntutan Jaksa Penuntut Umum, yang tanpa disertai dokumen audit, dinyatakan bahwa saya merugikan negara sebesar Rp. 1,1 milyar. Padahal seperti saya tanyakan di persidangan kepada saksi Ahli Keuangan Negara yang dihadirkan oleh Jaksa Penuntut Umum, Saudara Drs. Siswo Sujanto, DEA, dengan perumpamaan seekor sapi yang telah saya beli dengan uang pribadi, kemudian melahirkan anak sapi, maka dikatakan oleh Saudara Ahli bahwa anak sapi itu adalah milik saya. Sehingga pada intinya bahwa dana Rp. 1,1 milyar tersebut sudah bukan lagi uang negara, karena sudah bersumber bukan dari uang negara, melainkan dari uang pribadi saya. Ini catatan saya yang ketiga.

Yang Mulia Majelis Hakim,

Jaksa Penuntut Umum dalam berkas tuntutannya juga mengasumsikan secara sepihak bahwa saya tidak memiliki kemampuan finansial untuk membeli saham IPO Bank Jatim menggunakan uang saya pribadi. Seperti keterangan saya di persidangan dan keterangan saksi fakta dari Bank Jatim, bahwa saya memang berniat membeli Saham IPO Bank Jatim dengan nilai nominal di kisaran Rp 20 milyar. Yang rencananya saya bayarkan dari dana saya pribadi dan dana teman-teman pengurus Kadin Jatim. Seperti himbauan Gubernur Jatim kepada saya agar para pengurus Kadin berpartisipasi untuk membeli Saham IPO Bank Jatim. 

Atas asumsi sepihak Jaksa Penuntut Umum yang menyatakan saya tidak memiliki kemampuan finansial untuk membeli saham dimaksud adalah bahasan yang tiba-tiba dimunculkan di tuntutan, dimana sebelumnya tidak pernah dibahas di persidangan. Karena itu, atas hal itu, saya meminta kepada penasehat hukum saya untuk melampirkan bukti print rekening yang saya miliki di beberapa Bank, pada bulan Juni sampai Desember tahun 2012. Dimana terekam dalam dokumen bank tersebut, di bulan Juni sampai Desember tahun 2012, perputaran uang di dalam rekening saya lebih kurang sebesar Rp 72,3 milyar. Rincian selengkapnya dan data bank tersebut terlampir dalam Pleidoi yang akan disampaikan oleh Tim Penasehat Hukum saya.

Sekali lagi asumsi Jaksa Penuntut Umum yang menyatakan bahwa saya tidak memiliki kemampuan finansial untuk membeli saham IPO Bank Jatim sejatinya adalah penghinaan kepada pribadi diri saya selaku pengusaha dan Ketua Umum Kadin Jatim. Ini catatan saya yang keempat.

Yang Mulia Majelis Hakim,

Jaksa Penuntut Umum juga mempertanyakan mengapa saya biasa menggunakan uang cash dalam memberikan dana kepada Saudara Diar Kusuma Putra? Bukan melalui transfer bank. Meskipun saya tidak menemukan satu aturanpun yang melarang saya memberikan uang cash kepada seseorang, tetapi akan saya sampaikan dalam pledoi saya ini.

Yang Mulia, saya adalah pengusaha sekaligus kolektor-jual beli batu permata dan barang bernilai lainnya, seperti keris dan benda pusaka. Bahkan saya mendapatkan gelar kehormatan Kanjeng Raden Haryo Tumenggung (KRHT) La Nyalla Mahmud Mattalitti Paku Giri Hadipuro dari Keraton Surakarta pada tahun 2003 silam. Atas aktivitas saya di percaturan pemelihara dan pelestari benda budaya. Hingga hari ini saya memiliki lebih dari 1000 keris, dan 200-an di antaranya adalah keris dan tombak pusaka yang berkelas. Koleksi keris dan tombak saya juga sudah diterbitkan dalam buku yang berjudul The Power of Iron, yang terbit tahun 2011 lalu.

Aktivitas saya itu menuntut saya untuk selalu menyediakan uang cash di dalam brankas di rumah saya, karena tidak jarang pemilik benda pusaka atau batu permata yang menawarkan transaksi barang kepada saya di rumah, dan selalu di malam hari! Hal ini sudah bukan menjadi rahasia. Bisa ditanyakan kepada siapapun orang-orang yang mengenal dan dekat dengan saya di Surabaya.

Karena itu sangat menjadi tanda tanya bagi saya ketika Jaksa Penuntut Umum seolah mempertanyakan apakah mungkin saya menyimpan uang cash di kediaman?

Yang Mulia Majelis Hakim,

Selain sebagai pengusaha, saya juga aktif di beberapa organisasi sosial  masyarakat. Selain di Kadin Jatim, saya juga dipercaya sebagai Ketua Majelis Pimpinan Wilayah Pemuda Pancasila Jatim. Selain itu saya juga diminta untuk menjadi pengurus, dewan penyantun, penasehat dan pengarah di beberapa organisasi sosial kemasyarakatan dan lembaga sosial lainnya. Dan sebagai orang yang aktif di dunia organisasi, tentu semua maklum, bahwa kita bukan untuk mencari hidup di organisasi, tetapi menghidupi organisasi. Konkretnya, di kediaman saya tidak pernah sepi dari tamu-tamu aktivis organisasi tersebut yang mengajukan bantuan dana untuk berbagai kegiatan dan aktivitas organisasi, maka tidak mungkin saya tidak menyiapkan dana cash di rumah saya dalam kapasitas saya sebagai orang yang terlibat di organisasi-organisasi tersebut. Tentu kontribusi saya berupa bantuan-bantuan itu tidak perlu saya sebutkan. Tetapi sangat menyakitkan bagi saya ketika Jaksa Penuntut Umum seolah menyatakan tidak mungkin saya menyimpan dana cash di kediaman saya. Sehingga timbul asumsi yang meragukan bahwa saya kerap memberikan dana dalam bentuk cash ke seseorang yang datang ke kediaman saya. Ini catatan saya yang kelima.

Yang Mulia Majelis Hakim,

Sebagai Ketua Umum Kadin Jatim, sesuai tugas dan fungsi saya seperti diatur dalam UU No.1 Tahun 1987 tentang Kamar Dagang dan Industri, saya bertugas memimpin dan mengkoordinasi para Wakil Ketua Umum, yang membidangi tugas masing-masing. Para Wakil Ketua Umum tersebut dalam menjalankan peran dan fungsinya dalam kegiatan di bidangnya masing-masing dibantu oleh para anggotanya di Komite Tetap dan difasilitasi oleh kesekretariatan Kadin.

Sebagai Ketua Umum, saya berorientasi pada output atau pada hasil. Bukan pada proses. Oleh karena itu dalam konteks dana hibah Kadin Jatim, saya menandatangani MoU bersama Gubernur Jatim sebagai payung atas implementasi selanjutnya. Dimana Gubernur mendelegasikan kepada SKPD terkait, dan saya selaku Ketua Umum Kadin mendelegasikan kepada wakil ketua umum di bidang terkait. Itulah yang melatari mengapa semua saksi fakta menyatakan bahwa kegiatan dana hibah Kadin Jatim dikelola dan dipertanggungjawabkan oleh saksi Diar Kusuma Putra dan Nelson Sembiring. Sama sekali bukan oleh saya.

Selaku Ketua Umum Kadin tentu saya memantau output atau hasil kegiatan tersebut. Dan seperti saya sampaikan di persidangan, Gubernur Jatim memberikan apresiasi atas impact yang dihasilkan dari kegiatan Kadin tersebut. Bahkan saksi fakta di persidangan Saudara Sumbangto dari Pemerintah Provinsi Jawa Timur membenarkan bahwa dampak dari kegiatan Kadin tersebut, terjadi peningkatan nilai transaksi perdagangan antar pulau provinsi Jatim di kisaran angka Rp 740 milyar. Sungguh angka yang seharusnya membuat bangga kita semua. Dan dapat dikatakan bahwa kegiatan Kadin tersebut “memberikan keuntungan” pada perekonomian negara. Bukan merugikan perekonomian negara.

Atas adanya laporan yang tidak bisa dipertanggungjawabkan dan atas adanya kerugian negara yang diaudit oleh BPKP, maka saudara Diar Kusuma Putra dan Nelson Sembiring meskipun mengatakan bahwa hal itu terjadi karena laporan LPj yang dibuat oleh Saksi Heru Susanto banyak yang tidak sesuai dengan laporan kegiatan, toh kedua wakil ketua umum Kadin Jatim itu telah mempertanggung jawabkan perbuatan pidananya dan telah menjalani hukuman dan mengembalikan kerugian Negara dimaksud.

Atas dasar ini, saya sekali lagi menyayangkan semangat penyidik kejaksaan dan Jaksa Penuntut Umum untuk menghukum saya, dengan mengabaikan keterangan saksi-saksi di dalam BAP dan fakta di persidangan. Sehingga yang dikedepankan adalah semangat menghukum dan memenjarakan saya dengan tuntutan maksimal!

Bahkan dikatakan yang memberatkan saya adalah karena saya melarikan diri ke luar negeri. Perlu diketahui, saya meninggalkan Indonesia sebelum saya dicekal! Sehingga saya masih warga negara yang memiliki hak untuk melakukan perjalanan.

Bahkan ketika saya di luar negeri pun, Pengadilan Negeri Surabaya dalam putusannya memenangkan gugatan Pra Peradilan yang saya dan anak saya ajukan. Sehingga saat di luar negeri status saya sudah bukan tersangka. Tetapi kejaksaan tetap mengeluarkan Sprindik baru dan meminta Imigrasi untuk melakukan blokir paspor saya. Sehingga saya dideportasi oleh Pemerintah Singapura.

Yang Mulia Majelis Hakim,

Berdasarkan hal-hal tersebut di atas, tidak satu pun bukti dan fakta yang menyatakan saya melakukan tindak pidana korupsi sebagaimana didakwakan oleh Jaksa Penuntut Umum. Untuk itu saya memohon kepada Yang Mulia Majelis Hakim untuk membebaskan saya dari dakwaan Jaksa Penuntut Umum serta memerintahkan kepada Jaksa Penuntut Umum untuk mengeluarkan saya dari rumah tahanan.

Sebelum menutup nota pembelaan saya, ijinkan saya mengutip terjemahan ayat AL-QURAN sebagai doa saya di persidangan ini;

Surat Ash-Shura, ayat 41;

“Dan sesungguhnya, orang-orang yang membela diri sesudah teraniaya, tidak ada satu dosapun terhadap mereka”

Lalu saya sambung dengan Surat Ali Imran, ayat 26;

“Katakanlah: "Wahai Tuhan Yang mempunyai kerajaan, Engkau berikan kerajaan kepada orang yang Engkau kehendaki dan Engkau cabut kerajaan dari orang yang Engkau kehendaki. Engkau muliakan orang yang Engkau kehendaki dan Engkau hinakan orang yang Engkau kehendaki. Di tangan Engkaulah segala kebajikan. Sesungguhnya Engkau Maha Kuasa atas segala sesuatu.”

Demikian pembelaan pribadi saya ini saya bacakan dan sampaikan di muka persidangan, atas perhatian Yang Mulia Majelis Hakim, saya sampaikan terima kasih sebesar-besarnya.

Saya juga menyertakan buku koleksi Keris saya yang berjudul The Power of Iron, sebagai pelengkap Pledoi saya ini.

Wabilahi taufiq wal hidayah

Wassalamu’alaikum Wr Wb.

La Nyalla Mahmud Mattalitti

Jakarta, 7 Desember 2016.

___________________________

Reference:

1. Undang-Undang Nomor 8 Tahun 1981 tentang Hukum Acara Pidana (“KUHAP”);

2. "Ini isi lengkap pledoi pribadi La Nyalla", www.kabarbisnis.com., Diaksees pada tanggal 22 Januari 2022, https://www.kabarbisnis.com/read/2872211/ini-isi-lengkap-pledoi-pribadi-la-nyalla

How to Avoid Fraud in Investment by Using Legal Tools

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By:

Team of Hukumindo

Previously, the www.hukumindo.com platform has talk about "How to Execute Power of Attorney From Abroad to Indonesia Territory?", "How to Open a Police Report in Indonesia?", "What Is the Difference Between Fraud and Embezzlement Under Indonesian Law?", "What's The Difference Between Police Report and Public Complaint?", and "What Language Must Be Used In The Agreement In Indonesia?", "Who's Legally Represents The Company In Indonesia?", read also "Some Legal Aspects of Export-Import According to Indonesian Law". And on this occasion we will discuss about 'How to Avoid Fraud in Investment by Using Legal Tools'.

Indonesia as One of The Investment Destination For Foreign Investors

Indonesia is a very appropriate investment destination for foreign investors, because Indonesia has enormous potential to earn profits. Don't hesitate to invest in a country famous for its tourist destinations such as Bali, Jogjakarta, and Lombok.[1]

The main factor that becomes one of the important factors for foreign investors to look at Indonesia is the natural resource factor. Indonesia has abundant natural resources, ranging from petroleum resources, mining resources, and natural gas sources. Indonesia is also the largest archipelago country which is one of the highlights in the world because it has a very strategic location.[2]

Indonesia's population and workforce are dominated by productive age who are more skilled and ready to work. In addition, Indonesia's Economic and Investment Climate is also quite good, Indonesia has survived the global economic crisis or the world economy. Indonesia continues to create security and a healthy economic and investment climate. For now, Indonesia has even been appointed as one of the drivers of the economy in the Asian region. Indonesia's political stability is also relatively good, Indonesia is a country that continues to rise to become a stable country since the reform in the field of politics since 1998. Indonesia also continues to improve its democratic system to have a government that is always healthy and also conducive or safe.[3]

Indonesia is also one of the countries that has an active role in building bilateral and international relations. The most important thing is that Indonesia is the only country in Southeast Asia that is active in the group of G-20 countries. This is because Indonesia always strives and plays a role for and in conveying the interests of developing countries in the world.[4]

These things are very profitable for you foreign investors to invest in Indonesia. Many factors can be obtained, of course, for investors who invest in Indonesia, because Indonesia is a country that is rich, safe, and stable. So there are many interesting and profitable factors when foreign investors invest in Indonesia.[5]

Keeping Expectations in Investing

Indonesia is currently an investor-friendly country, but sometimes in practice there are things that do not match with the expectations. In practice, not everything is easy, but efforts in the right direction must always be maintained. In practice, investing in Indonesia can get into legal trouble if you are not careful. 

One of the most common criminal acts is fraud, Its happen also in Indonesia. As we know that fraud is regulated in Article 378 of the Criminal Code ('KUHP'). This criminal act often occurs within the scope of investment or in the business world as general. In this article, the author does not intend to analyze fraud as a legal study, but tries to prevent the occurrence of this crime in the scope of investment in general by using legal tools.

Crime is prevented by using legal tools, that's more or less what it means with this article. By doing early mitigation to prevent fraud in investment, it is hoped that expectations in investment will be maintain. The legal instrument referred to here is Legal Due Diligence (LDD). As additional information, actually legal due diligence can not only be used to detect criminal acts such as fraud, but can also be used to detect and prevent other criminal acts such as money laundering, or see the feasibility of a company that you are about to buy, as well as an early warning when you want to buy valuable assets such as land in the jurisdiction of Indonesia. 

When you intend to invest with a proper value in Indonesia, the author strongly recommends conducting due diligence first as a tool to detect losses due to various crimes that may later arise. By hiring an attorney to do due diligence on the transaction you are about to make, you will avoid serious losses in the future, which you will certainly regret deeply. 

Legal Due Diligence

Definition, legal due diligence (LDD) is a careful examination activity carried out by a legal consultant on a company or object to obtain material information or facts in order to find a description of the condition of a company or object of a transaction.[6]

Legal Due Diligence as an activity to assess legal risks that may arise. The risk in question is closely related to the transaction to be carried out by the parties. In simple terms, due diligence focuses on identifying risks that are usually not revealed. This process can help reduce risk, help make informed decisions, see more opportunities, and better manage situations.[7]

The purpose of Legal Due Diligence is broadly intended to assist in finding as many facts or information related to the transaction as possible before the transaction is executed, including information on the strengths and weaknesses as well as potential problems of the company or object being examined.[8] And if you intend to conduct legal due diligence for your save transaction, or perhaps you have any difficulties with this topic, contact us, feel free in 24 hours, we will be glad to help you.

*) For further information please contact:

Mahmud Kusuma Advocate

Law Office

Jakarta - Indonesia.

E-mail: mahmudkusuma22@gmail.com

_________________

References:

1. "Understanding 5 Steps Foreign Direct Investment In Indonesia", Hukumindo.com., Diakses pada tanggal 20 Januari 2022, https://www.hukumindo.com/2021/08/understanding-5-steps-foreign-direct.html

2. Ibid.

3. Ibid.

4. Ibid.

5. Ibid.

6. "Pengertian Legal Due Diligence", www.hukumonline.com., Diakses pada tanggal 20 Januari 2022, https://www.hukumonline.com/berita/a/pengertian-legal-due-diligence-lt61827f645aa0c/

7. Ibid.

8. "Legal Due Diligence", www.justitiatraining.co.id., Diakses pada tanggal 20 Januari 2022, https://www.justitiatraining.co.id/program/program-profesional-training/legal-due-diligence/

How to Execute Power of Attorney From Abroad to Indonesia Territory?

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By:

Team of Hukumindo

Previously, the Hukumindo.com platform has talk about "How To Re-obtain The Land Assets That We Bought In The Name of Someone Else In Indonesia?", "What Legal Ties Underlie The Relationship Between The Client and The Lawyer?" read also: "How To Check The Validity of Indonesian Advocates?" and on this occasion we will discuss about ''How to Execute Power of Attorney From Abroad to Indonesia Territory?"

Sir, I am an Indonesian migrant worker currently working in Hong Kong. I want to file a lawsuit against my spouse in Religious Court X and intend to use the services of an advocate, how do I give a power of attorney without having to go back to Indonesia first?

Requirements For a Valid Power of Attorney Signed Abroad

The decision of the Supreme Court of the Republic of Indonesia No.: 3038 K/Pdt/1981 dated September 18, 1986, gave the following decision: "The validity of a power of attorney made abroad in addition to meeting formal requirements must also be legalized first by the relevant Indonesian Embassy".[1]

Thus, there are two variables that are conditions for the validity of the said power of attorney. The first is according to the provisions of Article 123 paragraph (1) HIR and Circular Letter of the Supreme Court (SEMA) Number: 1 of 1971 Jo. Circular Letter of the Supreme Court (SEMA) Number: 6 of 1994, namely:[2]

• In written form;
• Mention relative competence;
• State the identity and position of the litigants;
• State the type of object and the disputed case.

The second requirement is to meet additional provisions in the form of legalization, by:[3] 

• The relevant Indonesian Embassy.

Thus, the legal requirements for a power of attorney made abroad are the same as those made in Indonesia, and as an additional provision, is an obligation to legalize with the relevant Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia abroad. with the fulfillment of these two conditions, the power of attorney that you sign and send to Indonesia from abroad becomes valid for use in the jurisdiction of Indonesia.

So, a practical solution in handling cases like this, you as a client of an advocate in Indonesia submit your personal data and other documents to the advocate you have chosen to make a Power of Attorney. Then the advocate will draft a specific power of attorney that will be sent to you, whether it's using e-mail, WhatsApp or Telegram. Then you print the power of attorney and sign it. The next thing you have to do is go to the Indonesian Consulate General (KJRI) in Hong Kong to ask for the legalization of the said power of attorney. After legalization, you can send the power of attorney to the lawyer's office you have chosen in Indonesia. Simply put, that's how to Execute Power of Attorney From Abroad to Indonesia Territory. Thus, you do not need to go back to Indonesia first to give authorized a power of attorney to the advocate you have chosen.

After your power of attorney is received in Indonesia by the advocate you have chosen, it is his duty to then carry out legalization in Indonesia. Legalization in Indonesia that needs to be done includes the Ministry of Law and Human Rights, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.[4] And according to the author source who works at one of the embassies of a friendly country in Jakarta, it is necessary also to legalize the above mentioned document to the State Representative where the power of attorney is made.

Stamp Duty on Documents From Abroad To Be Used In Indonesia Territory

How about the stamp duty provisions? To answer that, let's take a look at Article 9 Jo. Article 10 of Law Number 13 of 1985 concerning Stamp Duty (“Stamp Duty Law”) which reads:[5]

"Article 9 of the Stamp Duty Law: "Documents made abroad when used in Indonesia must have been paid for the Stamp Duty owed by means of subsequent sealing". 

Elucidation of Article 9 of the Stamp Duty Law: 'Documents made overseas are not subject to Stamp Duty as long as they are not used in Indonesia. If the document is to be used in Indonesia, it must first be affixed with a stamp duty, the amount of which is in accordance with the tariff as referred to in Article 2 by way of sealing later without fines. However, if the document has only been paid the Stamp Duty after it is used, then the sealing is then carried out along with a fine of 200% (two hundred percent)'.

"Article 10 of the Stamp Duty Law: "The subsequent sealing of the documents as referred to in Article 2 paragraph (3), Article 8, and Article 9 is carried out by the Postal Officer according to the procedure stipulated by the Minister of Finance".

Furthermore, in accordance with Article 1 of Government Regulation Number 24 of 2000 concerning Changes in Stamp Duty Rates and the Limit on Imposition of Nominal Prices Subject to Stamp Duty ("PP 24/2000") which reads: "Documents subject to Stamp Duty based on Law Number 13 of 1985 regarding Stamp Duty are documents in the form of:[6]

1. Agreements and other documents made with the aim of being used as a means of proof regarding actions, facts or circumstances of a civil nature;
2. ..."

Thus, Power of attorney is included in the provisions of Government Regulation Number 24 of 2000 concerning Changes in Stamp Duty Rates and the Limit on Imposition of Nominal Prices Subject to Stamp Duty (“PP 24/2000”), and regarding how to affix it, it is carried out by the Postal Officer according to the procedure stipulated by the Minister of Finance as stipulated in Article 10 of Law Number 13 of 1985 concerning Stamp Duty (“Stamp Duty Law”) as mentioned above. And if you have any issue with this topic, contact us, feel free in 24 hours, we will be glad to help you.

*) For further information please contact:

Mahmud Kusuma Advocate

Law Office

Jakarta - Indonesia.

E-mail: mahmudkusuma22@gmail.com

_________________

Reference:

1. "Syarat Sahnya Surat Kuasa Dibuat Diluar Negeri", www.advokatmedan.com., diakses pada tanggal 20 Januari 2022, https://www.advokatmedan.com/2021/05/syarat-sahnya-surat-kuasa-dibuat-diluar-negeri.html

2. Ibid.

3. Ibid.

4. "Surat Kuasa Dibuat di Luar Negeri, Haruskah Dibubuhi Meterai Indonesia?", www.hukumonline.com., Diakses pada tanggal 20 Januari 2022, https://www.hukumonline.com/klinik/a/perlukah-dokumen-asing-dilegalisasi-di-kbri--lt60053590761ab

5. "Pembubuhan Meterai Indonesia pada Surat Kuasa yang Dibuat di Luar Negeri", asosiasiadvokatindonesia.id., Diakses pada tanggal 20 Januari 2022, http://asosiasiadvokatindonesia.id/pembubuhan-meterai-indonesia-pada-surat-kuasa-yang-dibuat-di-luar-negeri/

6. Ibid.

How To Re-obtain The Land Assets That We Bought In The Name of Someone Else In Indonesia?

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By:

Team of Hukumindo

Previously, the Hukumindo.com platform has discussed about "What Is the Difference Between Fraud and Embezzlement Under Indonesian Law?", "What Types of Land Ownership May Company Obtain In Indonesia?", read also: "How To Married Indonesian Women Legally?", and on this occasion will be discussed about 'How To Re-obtain The Land Assets That We Bought In The Name of Someone Else In Indonesia?'

Sir, my father lived long enough and married one of the natives in Bali. Then he returned to Europe and died here. My mother is the second marriage to him. Before he died, my father told me that he had fairly large of land assets in Bali, only that the land he bought was in the name of someone else. Is it possible for me to obtain the land as his heir?

From the e-mail we received above, there are some aspect that are not quite clear. Was your father's first marriage to a Balinese woman above legally-valid? Do they have children from this marriage? Was the land purchased by your father in the name of his wife or descendants from the first marriage? Due to the limited information we received, the answer we will provide will focus on the law for foreign citizens in relation with rights of ownership on land in Indonesia, and is there a legal possibility for you to acquire the said land as one of their descendants? 

Governing Law On Rights Of Land Ownership In Indonesia

We assume that your beloved father is a foreign national in a European country. We assume that you are a foreign national also. Based on the information above, there is a fact that your father bought a plot of land in the Bali area using his money. In relation to the sub-questions referred above, the following provisions apply:

• Article 20 paragraph (1) of the Law of the Republic of Indonesia Number: 5 of 1960 concerning Basic Regulations on Agrarian Principles regulates as follows: "Ownership rights are hereditary, strongest and most complete rights that people can have on land, in view of the provisions in Article 6".
• Article 21 paragraph (1) of the Law of the Republic of Indonesia Number: 5 of 1960 concerning Basic Regulations on Agrarian Principles regulates as follows: "Only Indonesian citizens can have rights of land ownership".

As quoted from Article 20 paragraph (1) and Article 21 paragraph (1) of the Law of the Republic of Indonesia Number: 5 of 1960 concerning Basic Regulations on Agrarian Principles above, It has been explained about the ownership rights of land, and it is regulated that only Indonesian citizens can own it. If your father is a foreign citizen and in relation to that point is the provisions regarding Law of the Republic of Indonesia Number: 5 of 1960 concerning Basic Regulations on Agrarian Principles as we mention above, then as a conclution, your father as a foreign citizen does not have the right to own a plot of land in Indonesia. 

Thus, according to Indonesian law, your father has never owned the said land. This is also consistent with the fact that your father bought the land under someone else name, or some kind of legal nominee ("Pinjam Nama"). According to Indonesian law, this case of borrowing names ("pinjam nama") is prohibited, even if the money is belong to your father.    

How To Re-obtain The Land Assets That We Bought In The Name of Someone Else In Indonesia?

To answer your second question regarding how to re-obtain the land assets that we bought in the name of someone else in Indonesia, we can simply answer the question that it's prohibited by law. As stipulated by the Law of the Republic of Indonesia Number: 5 of 1960 concerning Basic Regulations on Agrarian Principles above, the practice of 'borrowing names' in buying and selling land in Indonesia is prohibited.

In relation to the case you are facing for, we request that it will be better if it's accompanied by other relevant documents. With additional documents that may be available, of course we will offer other legal solutions that you might be able to take. And if you have any issue with this topic, contact us, feel free in 24 hours, we will be glad to help you.

*) For further information please contact:

Mahmud Kusuma Advocate

Law Office

Jakarta - Indonesia.

E-mail: mahmudkusuma22@gmail.com

________________

Reference:

1. Law of the Republic of Indonesia Number: 5 of 1960 concerning Basic Regulations on Agrarian Principles

What Is the Difference Between Fraud and Embezzlement Under Indonesian Law?

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By:

Team of Hukumindo

Previously, the Hukumindo.com platform has discussed about "What's The Difference Between Police Report and Public Complaint?", read also "How to Open a Police Report in Indonesia?", "How To Report Online Scammer Or Fraud To The Police In Indonesia", "Who Has the Authority to Report a Crime If the Victim Is a Company?". And on this occasion we will discuss about 'What Is the Difference Between Fraud and Embezzlement Under Indonesian Law?'

One of the most common criminal acts is fraud and embezzlement, Its happen also in Indonesia. This criminal act often occurs within the scope of commerce or the business world in general. When you feel that you are a victim of this criminal act, its better to know the difference between the two before you intend to report it to the authorities.

Fraud

Article 378 of the Criminal Code ("KUHP") regulates the crime of fraud as follows: "Anyone with the intention of unlawfully benefiting himself or another person by using a false name or false dignity (hoedaningheid); by deceit, or a series of lies, inducing another person to hand over something to him, or to give a debt or write off a debt, is threatened, for fraud, with a maximum imprisonment of four years".[1]

Embezzlement

Article 372 of the Criminal Code ("KUHP") regulates the crime of embezzlement as follows: "Anyone who knowingly owns against the rights of an item which wholly or partly belongs to another person and the item is in his hands not because of a crime, shall be punished for embezzlement, with a maximum imprisonment of four years or a maximum fine of Rp. 900,-".[2]

The Difference Between Fraud and Embezzlement Under Indonesian Law

The most effective way to know the difference between the two is to know the elements contain in. Because this is the object of legal study, of course it is not easy for the general public to know the difference between the two, but it is not impossible to learn. This article does not intend to examine this matter in depth, only to discuss these differences in general terms.

In the author's opinion, the most basic thing to know the difference between fraud and embezzlement is the transfer of the goods. Let's see the difference between the two:

1. Fraud: In the crime of fraud, transfer of goods is against the law. The illegal transfer of goods is carried out in ways such as manipulate other people, using all kind of deception, using false identities, and so on. For example, Person A claimed to be a prince from Saudi Arabia who has billions of assets but still has little trouble with the bank, and is looking for a life partner, then asks for a transfer of some money for accommodation to move to Bali for good.
2. Embezzlement: In the crime of  embezzlement, the transfer of goods is not against the law. The goods are already in the control of another person that is not against the law. Mastery of this item usually occurs because of his work, or because of an agreement. For example, Person A owns a motorcycle and rents it to Person B, then Person B sells it to Person C.

If examined more deeply, then the difference between fraud and embezzlement is real. In legal practice, there are often wrong habits by reporting a legal event that has not been investigated more deeply but is reported to the authorities as a criminal act of fraud and/or embezzlement. And if you have any issue with reporting the crime in territory of Indonesia to the relevant Police station, contact us, feel free in 24 hours, we will be glad to help you.

*) For further information please contact:

Mahmud Kusuma Advocate

Law Office

Jakarta - Indonesia.

E-mail: mahmudkusuma22@gmail.com

________________

References:

1. Criminal Code

2. Ibid.

What's The Difference Between Police Report and Public Complaint?

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By:

Team of Hukumindo

Previously, the Hukumindo.com platform has talk about "Who Has the Authority to Report a Crime If the Victim Is a Company?", "The Example of Official Police Report Receipt in Indonesia", read also "How to Open a Police Report in Indonesia?". And on this valuable occasion will be discussed about 'What's The Difference Between Police Report And Public Complaint?'.

For information only, the platform Hukumindo.com has received many e-mails from abroad regarding alleged criminal acts experienced by readers, mostly regarding online scams or fraud. Many of them asked for help to take legal action in the form of opening a Police Report to the relevant Police station. However, many readers do not really understand about this Police Report, and indirectly interpret it as a "public complaint". On this occasion we will explain the difference between the two, especially from a legal perspective.

Police Report According To Criminal Procedure Code ("KUHAP")

As previously discussed in the article entitled: "How to Open a Police Report in Indonesia?", what is meant by a Police Report (Police Report aka "LP"). Article 1 Law Number: 8 of 1981 concerning Criminal Procedure Code ("KUHAP") provides a definition of the Report as follows: "Report is a notification submitted by a person who, because of his rights or obligations under the law, to an authorized official regarding, has or is currently or is suspected of having a criminal event." Those who have the right to submit reports are people who have experienced, seen, witnessed or become victims of events that constitute criminal acts, either orally or in writing.[1]

In relation to this article, then your position as a foreigner who is in Indonesia is as a victim of a crime committed by someone else against you. Procedural law (Law Number: 8 of 1981 concerning Criminal Procedure Code ("KUHAP")) in Indonesia protects you by providing you with the right to report a crime you have experienced to the relevant Police institution.[2]

How to Open a Police Report ("LP") in Indonesia? As a guide, here's how to open a criminal report according to the author's practical experience:

1. Come to the relevant Police Station;
2. Come to the Integrated Police Service Center (SPKT);
3. Tell the chronology of the crime that you experienced to the Police officers;
4. If the incident you experience is a criminal act, the Police officer will give you a report sign, if it is not a criminal act, the Police officer will not give you a report sign.

Complete your report with your self identity, witnesses and supporting evidence related to the crime you experienced.[3] Thus, it must be understood that the Police Report here is a legal action as regulated in the Criminal Procedure Code. As a legal action regulated in the Criminal Procedure Code ("KUHAP"), it is official and has legal consequences to the Police regarding Criminal Procedure Code.

(iStock)

Public Complaint

Within the scope of government, 'public complaints' are: "Reports from the public regarding indications of...".[4] Thus, public complaints are a kind of report regarding allegations that occur in the community. But of course, public complaints are not classified as Police Reports. Public complaints are not regulated in the Criminal Procedure Code ("KUHAP").

As an example is the page of the "Cyber ​​Patrol" launched by the Directorate of Cyber-crime, Bareskrim Polri.[5] On the page it is written:

Apa itu “Laporkan!” ?

Laporkan! adalah portal laporan daring yang dibuat oleh Dittipidsiber Bareskrim Polri untuk mengumpulkan berbagai informasi tentang kejahatan siber.

(What is “Report!” ?

Report! is an online reporting portal created by the Dittipidsiber Bareskrim Polri to collect various information about cyber crimes.)

Siapa yang boleh membuat laporan?

Siapa saja yang mengetahui tentang adanya indikasi kejahatan siber.

(Who can make reports?

Anyone who knows about any indications of cyber crime.)

Apa fungsi dari portal “Laporkan!” ?

Portal ini dibuat untuk mengumpulkan informasi tentang pelaku kejahatan siber, seperti nama, nomor telepon, nomor rekening, akun media sosial, e-mail dan lain sebagainya. Informasi tersebut juga dapat diakses oleh pengunjung laman patrolisiber.id fitur “cari” sebelum bertransaksi atau berkomunikasi dengan orang yang mencurigakan.

(What is the function of the “Report!” ?

This portal was created to collect information about cyber-criminals, such as names, phone numbers, account numbers, social media accounts, e-mails and so on. This information can also be accessed by visitors to the patrolsiber.id page with the "search" feature before making transactions or communicating with suspicious people.)

Mengapa kita harus melapor?

Semakin banyak informasi yang kami terima, maka akan semakin banyak informasi yang dapat diakses pengunjung patrolisiber.id. Harapan kami, informasi itu dapat digunakan agar kita terhindar dari kejahatan siber.

(Why should we report?

The more information we receive, the more information that can be accessed by patrolisiber.id visitors. We hope that this information can be used to prevent cyber-crime.)

Apakah laporan yang dibuat melalui portal “Laporkan!” akan otomatis menjadi laporan polisi?

Tidak

(Is the report made through the portal “Report!” will automatically become a Police Report?

No)

Apa bedanya laporan melalui platform ‘Laporkan!” dengan laporan polisi?

Laporan yang disampaikan melalui portal “Laporkan!” hanya berisi sebagian kecil dari informasi tentang kejahatan siber.

(How is it different to report via the 'Report!” platform with a Police Report?

Reports submitted through the portal “Report!” contains only a small part of the information about cyber-crime.)

The page above clearly explains that the information obtained through "Laporkan!/Report!" is not a Police Report, it is only a platform to collect information regarding indications of criminal acts occurring in society through cyber-space.

Several conclusions can be drawn here, that there are fundamental differences between Public Complaints and Police Reports:

1. Police reports are regulated in the Criminal Procedure Code, while Public Complaints are not;
2. Public complaints are information that comes from the public to related state institutions with certain indications;
3. Public complaints are not Police Reports.

If you are abroad and the unfortunate fate befalls you because you are a victim of a crime whose criminals are in the jurisdiction of Indonesia, then the legal action you have to take is to make a Police Report, not a 'public complaint'. If you want to file a complaint to the state institution in Indonesia, you don't need to hire an advocate. You can do it by yourself. The author suggests, hire an advocate in Indonesia to open the Police Report in relevant Police station, and of course it will incur costs, and this is totally reasonable. And if you have any difficulties to open a Police Report in Indonesia, contact us, feel free in 24 hours, we will be glad to help you.

*) For further information please contact:

Mahmud Kusuma Advocate

Law Office

Jakarta - Indonesia.

E-mail: mahmudkusuma22@gmail.com

________________

References:

1. "How to Open a Police Report in Indonesia?", www.hukumindo.com., Diakses pada tanggal 15 Januari 2022, https://www.hukumindo.com/2021/10/how-to-open-police-report-in-indonesia.html

2. Ibid.

3. Ibid.

4. "Pengaduan Masyarakat", inspektorat.tegalkab.go.id., Diakses pada tanggal 15 Januari 2022, https://inspektorat.tegalkab.go.id/pengaduan-masyarakat/

5. "LAPORKAN!", patrolisiber.id., Diakses pada tanggal 15 Januari 2022, https://patrolisiber.id/report/my-account

Who Has the Authority to Report a Crime If the Victim Is a Company?

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By:

Team of Hukumindo

Previously, the Hukumindo.com platform has talk about "How to Obtain Child Custody in Indonesia", "How to Open a Police Report in Indonesia?", read also: "Who's Legally Represents The Company In Indonesia?" and on this occasion we will discuss about 'Who Has the Authority to Report a Crime If the Victim Is a Company?'

Reporting a Crime To The Police 

As we know, crime can happen to anyone, including the Company. Basically, all criminal acts that occur in Indonesia are reported in the same way to the Police. It's just that if the victim is a company, then there are specific provisions. 

Article 1 Law Number: 8 of 1981 concerning Criminal Procedure Code ("KUHAP") provides a definition of the Report as follows: "Report is a notification submitted by a person who, because of his rights or obligations under the law, to an authorized official regarding, has or is currently or is suspected of having a criminal event." Those who have the right to submit reports are people who have experienced, seen, witnessed or become victims of events that constitute criminal acts, either orally or in writing.[1]

How to Open a Police Report ("LP") in Indonesia? As a guide, here's how to open a criminal report according to the author's practical experience:[2]

1. Come to the relevant Police Station;
2. Come to the Integrated Police Service Center (SPKT);
3. Tell the chronology of the crime that you experienced to the Police officers;
4. If the incident you experience is a criminal act, the Police officer will give you a report sign, if it is not a criminal act, the Police officer will not give you a report sign.

Complete your report with your self identity, witnesses and supporting evidence related to the crime you experienced.

Specific Provision If the Victim Is Company

If the victim is Company, who has the authority to report a crime? To answer this question we must refer to the company Law. The main sources of law governing limited liability companies in Indonesia are Law Number: 40 of 2007 Concerning Limited Liability Company. In addition, other laws are also regulated, including Law Number: 3 of 1982 concerning Compulsory Company Registration, also various implementing regulations under it.

Then, if the victim is Company, who has the authority to report a crime? To answer this question, we must still refer to Law Number: 40 of 2007 Concerning Limited Liability Company, especially Article 1 point 5, where the board of directors is the one who legally represents the company in Indonesia, both inside and outside the court.[3]

What is a the Board of Director? As stipulated in Article 1 point 5, what is meant by the board of director is a company organ that is authorized and fully responsible for the management of the Company for the benefit of the Company, in accordance with the purposes and objectives of the Company and represents the Company, both inside and outside the court in accordance with the provisions of the articles of association.[4] And if you have any issue with this topic, contact us, feel free in 24 hours, we will be glad to help you.

*) For further information please contact:

Mahmud Kusuma Advocate

Law Office

Jakarta - Indonesia.

E-mail: mahmudkusuma22@gmail.com

_________________

References:

1. Kitab Undang-undang Hukum Acara Pidana (KUHAP);

2. "How to Open a Police Report in Indonesia?", Hukumindo.com., Diakses pada tanggal 11 Januari 2022, https://www.hukumindo.com/2021/10/how-to-open-police-report-in-indonesia.html

3. "Who's Legally Represents The Company In Indonesia?", Hukumindo.com., Diakses pada tanggal 11 Januari 2022., https://www.hukumindo.com/2021/11/who-legally-represents-company-in.html

4. Ibid.

How to Obtain Child Custody in Indonesia

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By:

Team of Hukumindo

Previously, the Hukumindo.com platform has talk about "What Legal Ties Underlie The Relationship Between The Client and The Lawyer?", read also: "How To Legally Adopt a Child in Indonesia?" and on this occasion we will discuss about 'How to Obtain Child Custody in Indonesia'.

Sir, I am a father of two cute children. My wife is an Indonesian citizen, while I am an 'A' citizen. Since the pandemic hit, our domestic life has become more difficult, and I have rarely visited Indonesia. My relationship with my wife seems to be irreversible, but I still have the desire to take care of my children. I need your advice to obtain custody of my child.

Governing Law

Dear Mr. X, we are saddened to hear about your legal concerns. With the limited data you provide, we will try to help solve this problem. You did not mention which country you got married in, so we assume that you are married in Indonesia according to Indonesian law. This is based on your words which write that: "My wife is an Indonesian citizen...I have rarely visited Indonesia". Thus, the applicable law is Indonesian law, that is based on Law Number: 1 of 1974 concerning Marriage.[1]

How to Obtain Child Custody?

From the information we received, you did not mention what religion you married. Because you must first file a divorce before taking care of child custody issues. Under Indonesian law, child custody is one of the consequences of breaking up a marriage. In this regard, the following provisions of Law Number: 1 of 1974 concerning Marriage apply. 

Article 41:

The consequences of breaking up a marriage due to divorce are:

1. Both mothers and fathers are still obliged to care for and educate their children, solely based on the interests of the child; if there is a dispute regarding the child custody, the Court gives its decision;
2. The father who is responsible for all the care and education costs needed by the child; if the father is in fact unable to fulfill these obligations, the Court may determine that the mother will share the costs;
3. The court may require the ex-husband to provide living expenses and/or determine an obligation for the ex-wife.

We assume that because your relationship with your wife is not harmonious, it is very likely that later it will be difficult to find a peaceful way regarding child custody. As stipulated in Article 41 of Law Number: 1 of 1974 Paragraph 1 concerning Marriage, then "...if there is a dispute regarding the child custody, the Court gives its decision;" apply.

Suggestion

Thus, we recommend that you file a divorce lawsuit against your wife at the relevant court in the jurisdiction of Indonesia. And according to civil procedural law in Indonesia, it is possible to merge a divorce lawsuit with child custody. This will certainly save your time and energy. 

And if you have any issue with this topic, contact us, feel free in 24 hours, we will be glad to help you.

*) For further information please contact:

Mahmud Kusuma Advocate

Law Office

Jakarta - Indonesia.

E-mail: mahmudkusuma22@gmail.com

_________________

Reference:

1. Law Number: 1 of 1974 concerning Marriage.

What Legal Ties Underlie The Relationship Between The Client and The Lawyer?

(Offset.com)

By:

Team of Hukumindo

Previously, the Hukumindo.com platform has talk about "How To Report Online Scammer Or Fraud To The Police In Indonesia", read also "How to Open a Police Report in Indonesia?", and "How To Check The Validity of Indonesian Advocates?". And on this occasion we will discuss about 'What Legal Ties Underlie The Relationship Between The Client and The Lawyer?'

When you have legal needs in the territory of Indonesia and hire the services of an advocate, then your choice is right. Advocate services will make it easier for you from the legal matters you face. You will save time and energy in resolving a legal issue. When you hire the services of an advocate, there will be a legal relationship between the client and the advocate. Do you know what legal ties underlie the relationship between the Client and the Lawyer?

Check the Validity of Your Advocate

As the author has stated in a previous article entitled: "How To Check The Validity of Indonesian Advocates?", The first step you must take before hiring an advocate is to check the validity of the practice permit. Based on the provisions of Articles 2 and 3 of Law Number: 18 of 2003 concerning Advocates, there are several legal products related to proving someone as an advocate:[1]

1. Letter of Appointment as an Advocate (Issued by advocate organization); and
2. Certificate of Oath as an Advocate (Issued by Head of the relevant Provincial High Court);
3. Advocate membership card (Issued by advocate organization).

When you are in Indonesia and have the intention to use legal services through an advocate, it is very important to choose a legally-valid lawyer. Checking the advocate validity you will choose becomes a necessary so that there will be no losses occur in the future. So, its alright to ask your advocate about their validity such as: (a). Letter of Appointment as an Advocate, (b). Certificate of Oath as an Advocate and (c). Advocate membership card, for your safety.[2]

Be smart that civil servants, state apparatus or law graduates who do not qualify as advocates cannot be your attorney and therefore cannot represent your legal interests in Indonesia. For anyone who claims to be an advocate but can't prove his legitimacy, perhaps that you're out of luck and maybe a fraud is going on.[3]

Legal Ties Underlie The Relationship Between The Client and The Lawyer

When you have chosen an advocate who in your opinion is good, then there will be a legal bond that must be resolved first between you and the lawyer. This legal bond between a client and an advocate is what is meant by legal ties underlie the relationship between the client and the lawyer. After the agreement is reached, then the lawyer can work to resolve your legal problem. Generally, there are two legal documents that underlie the client's relationship with an advocate, namely power of attorney and legal services agreement.

1. Power of Attorney, let us know first the definition of the word "power". According to Frans Satriyo Wicaksono, "Power" is power, strength, or authority. In English, it is called power and in Dutch it is called gezag or macht. Meanwhile, the Big Indonesian Dictionary (KBBI) states the definition of power as "which contains power of attorney to someone to take care of something".[4]

So, a power of attorney is a document that authorizes another party to carry out legal actions on behalf of the authorizing party, because the authorizing party is unable to do it himself. These authorized party includes lawyers.[5]

The legal basis for a power of attorney is regulated in Article 1792 of the Civil Code: "The grant of power of attorney is an agreement by which one person gives power to another person, who accepts it for and on his behalf to carry out a legal matter".[6] 

2. Legal Services Agreement, the relationship between a client and an advocate is usually stated in the form of a legal service agreement. Or whatever the name is but still the same. This agreement regulates the rights and obligations of both parties as well as the scope of work that must be carried out by the advocate. In the agreement, it can also be regulated regarding the settlement of disputes that may arise in the future between the client and an advocate, regarding fees and other matters that want to be arranged between the two.

The legal basis for a power of attorney is regulated in Article 1320 of the Civil Code concerning Terms of the validity of the agreement. As a logical consequence, the provisions of Article 1338 paragraph (1) of the Civil Procedure Code which stipulate that all agreements made legally apply as law for those who make them.[7]

 

In general, the legal relationship between an advocate and a client in Indonesia is regulated by two legal documents as mentioned above. And if you have any issue with this topic, contact us, feel free in 24 hours, we will be glad to help you.

*) For further information please contact:

Mahmud Kusuma Advocate

Law Office

Jakarta - Indonesia.

E-mail: mahmudkusuma22@gmail.com

_________________

References:

1. "How To Check The Validity of Indonesian Advocates?", www.hukumindo.com., Diakses pada tanggal 06 Januari 2022, https://www.hukumindo.com/2021/10/how-to-check-validity-of-indonesian.html

2. Ibid.

3. Ibid.

4. "Surat Kuasa: Pengertian, Ciri-Ciri, Jenis, dan Contohnya", www.detik.com., diakses pada tanggal 06 Januari 2022, https://www.detik.com/edu/detikpedia/d-5523325/surat-kuasa-pengertian-ciri-ciri-jenis-dan-contohnya

5. Ibid.

6. Civil Code (KUHPerdata)

7. Ibid.