Richard Eliezer Case: Young Police Avoided 12 Years in Prison After Revealing Murder Conspiracy

Liputan6.com, Jakarta - Young policeman Richard Eliezer Pudihang Lumiu (24) managed to avoid 12 years in prison after revealing the murder conspiracy in July 2022. The murder was designed by his own superior, Inspector General Ferdy Sambo, which puzzled the public for months. 

Eliezer was involved in the murder and he shot Brigadier Nofriansyah Yosua Hutabarat at Sambo's home in South Jakarta. He agreed to do the killing after Sambo asked him for assistance.

The judge in South Jakarta's court stated that Sambo offered rewards for all accomplices, including brand new iPhones and huge amounts of money.

However, Eliezer received the status of Justice Collaborator (JC) as he decided to just reveal the murder. As a result, the judge only handed him 1,5 years in prison on Wednesday (15/2/2023).

Netizens on Twitter are polarized over the court's decision. Some felt the judge gave the correct decision as Richard Eliezer was a JC, but others believed Eliezer was ultimately still responsible for executing the victim. 

Before the murder, Sambo asked other police named Ricky Rizal to help in the killing, but the latter rejected the request. Sambon then asked Eliezer who answered in affirmative.

Richard Eliezer was seen crying after the verdict. 

The lawyer for Brigadier Yosua's family, Kamaruddin Simanjuntak, gave a rather warm comment before the verdict. Kamaruddin noted that Eliezer was still helping the killing, but also a JC. 

"We have to take pride, raise the hat, that at his young age he was repenting," said Kamaruddin. "He has proven his commitment to reveal this case during the trial as clearly as possible. That must be appreciated by the Indonesian at home and abroad," said Kamaruddin.

After the murder and trial, Richard Eleizer apparently is still interested to continue his work as a policeman. His lawyer, Ronny Talapessy, said the young wanted to resume his work at the Mobile Brigade Corps (Brimob). 

Richard also got some fans who attended his trial. Report said the fans were crying after they heard the 1,5 years sentence. 

Meanwhile, Richard's mother was watching the trial on TV from Manado, North Sulawesi Province. 

"Thank you for all the supports and prayers from the family in Manado and all friends. God bless you all," said Rineke Alma Pudihang.

Rineke also expressed her thank for the Yoshua's family for accepting the apology from his son. 

"I feel what Mrs. Rosti feels, because we are both mothers," said Rineke.

Before the verdict, Rosti Simanjuntak, the mother of Yosua, also appreciated the apology from Richard and how the young man admitted his fault.

Hanz Jimenez Salim, Sulung Lahitani, and Yusron Fahmi contributed to this report.