The Surabaya District Court sentenced Samuel Ardi Kristanto to three years and 10 months in prison for provoking the destruction of a house and the eviction of 80-year-old Elina Widjayanti.
The verdict was read by Chief Judge S. Pudjiono on Wednesday in the Kartika Room of the Surabaya District Court. Samuel was found guilty of committing violence and inciting others to destroy another person's house under Article 525 paragraph (1) and Article 262 paragraph (1) of Law Number 1 of 2023.
The panel noted mitigating circumstances including the defendant's polite demeanor during the trial, lack of prior convictions, and apology to the victim. Aggravating factors including injuries suffered by the victim, severe damage to the house, and the elderly woman losing her home.
In the same case, M. Yasin was sentenced to one year and three months in prison, while Sugeng Yulianto received one year. Samuel's legal counsel said they are still considering further legal steps, and the public prosecutor is also exercising the right to deliberate.
