Hargo.co.id, GORONTALO – As the day progressed, the atmosphere at the Gorontalo Anti-Corruption Court (Tipikor) on Tuesday (1/9/2024) became livelier with the arrival of the families of the 35 defendants involved in the Marisa mine riot and the burning of the Pohuwato Regent’s office.
Each defendant and their family exchanged support while briefly relieving their longing before the reading of the charges began.
However, it was different for Arjun Jakatara (52), a resident of South Marisa Village, Pohuwato Regency. The absence of his family, who couldn’t make it, prevented him from sharing the moment.
Wearing a black and white prisoner’s uniform with a detainee vest, Arjun appeared sitting in contemplation, resigning himself to the impending punishment, even though he claimed not to have committed any illegal acts, let alone being involved in the riots.
From behind bars, Arjun reluctantly admitted to all the allegations made against him. With the reason that he no longer wanted to be subjected to further abuse, the middle-aged man who couldn’t read or write finally signed the examination report presented to him.
“Hepilongoto lio pak, hedutaa lingolio, madidu otahangia. hiyambola tilapayili heparakisa lio (Beaten, kicked, stepped on until unable to endure, even to the point of urinating during the examination),” whispered Arjun from behind bars.
During the examination at the Pohuwato Regional Police, Arjun stated that he was beaten by many police officers, leaving visible marks.
“Madidu otawa pak, modata tingolio lo mate (it’s countless, sir, many have beaten me),” he said again.
His inability to read and write led him to simply go along with whatever the investigators said. Hoping that the entire process would conclude soon so that he could return home and meet his relatives.
Not only that, he also expressed concern that if he denies the accusations during the trial, it might worsen his punishment.
“Mohe watiya, anu ma pahulo teye mamobedawa lo uma tilandatangania to Marisa. (I’m afraid that if I deny it here (during the trial), it will be different from what I have already signed in Marisa),” said Arjun.
Arjun’s case and that of the other 24 defendants are now being tried. In the indictment, the defendants are accused of the destruction of the Pani Gold Project office, KUD Dharma Tani Marisa, the Regent’s official residence, the Regional People’s Representative Council (DPRD) office, and the burning of the Pohuwato Regent’s office on September 21, 2023. (*)
Author: Riyan Lagili
