TheJakartaPost
Please Update your browser
Your browser is out of date, and may not be compatible with our website. A list of the most popular web browsers can be found below.
Just click on the icons to get to the download page.
Popular Reads
Top Results
No results found. Please check your search term and try again
Can't find what you're looking for?
View all search results
Popular Reads
Top Results
No results found. Please check your search term and try again
Can't find what you're looking for?
View all search resultsSailor gets 5 years behind bars, escapes death penalty in drug case
The case became viral after prosecutors demanded death penalty for Fandi and five other defendants.
Change text size
Gift Premium Articles
to Anyone
Share the best of The Jakarta Post with friends, family, or colleagues. As a subscriber, you can gift 3 to 5 articles each month that anyone can read—no subscription needed!
Fandi Ramadhan (second left) is escorted on March 5, 2026, with his hands handcuffed by a guard after receiving a five-year jail term for smuggling drugs, in Batam, Riau Islands. Fandi's case went viral after prosecutors demanded the death penalty for Fandi and five other defendants. (JP/Fadli)
A
sailor named Fandi Ramadhan escaped the death penalty after the Batam District Court on Thursday sentenced him to five years in prison in a smuggling case involving some 1.9 tonnes of sabu, or crystal methamphetamine.
The verdict was read by presiding judge Tiwik amid tight security and under direct supervision from the Judicial Commission (KY).
In the verdict, Tiwik said Fandi had been legally and convincingly proven to have engaged in a criminal conspiracy to distribute more than five grams of Class I narcotics. The judge said there were mitigating factors in the case and considered the defendant’s young age an alleviating factor.
The panel of judges said the evidence of nearly two tonnes of drugs posed a serious threat to the nation’s younger generation. However, the judges opted not to impose the death penalty on Fandi, as demanded by prosecutors, considering that the 2023 Criminal Code prioritizes rehabilitative and corrective justice.
“Sentencing must be a corrective and educative tool, not a mere retribution.” Tiwik said in his verdict.
“So, the defendant can realize his action and return to the society in a better condition.”
Responding to the verdict, Fandi, through his lawyer Bahtiar Batubara, said he would consider the verdict.
Your Opinion Matters
Share your experiences, suggestions, and any issues you've encountered on The Jakarta Post. We're here to listen.
Enter at least 30 characters
0
/ 30
Thank you
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. We appreciate your feedback.
