PALI, KOTABARI.COM – The name Alex Setiawan, affectionately known as “Gelek,” was once familiar among the residents, especially in the Penukal sub-district. Gelek’s journey should have been an inspiration to the public and society, as he started his career as a coal transportation driver before being elected as the Head of Purun Timur Village through the Pilakdes in 2017.
However, fate took a 360-degree turn for Gelek, as he is now the defendant in a corruption case involving the Purun Timur Village Fund. Today, on Wednesday, July 26, 2023, Gelek faces a bitter reality as he has been sentenced to 5 years in prison by the Panel of Judges of the Corruption Court of Palembang.
The Panel of Judges, led by Editerial SH., MH., stated that Gelek’s actions resulted in enriching himself and causing the state a loss of Rp635 million after misappropriating village funds. The verdict was based on the primary indictment by the Public Prosecutor of PALI District Attorney’s Office and found that Gelek’s actions fulfilled all elements of the crime as stipulated in Article 2 Paragraph (1) jo Article 18 of Law No. 20 of 2001 concerning corruption.
“The defendant’s actions have been proven to fulfill the elements of the crime as stated in the primary indictment of the Public Prosecutor of PALI District Attorney’s Office, violating Article 2 Paragraph (1) jo Article 18 of Law No. 20 of 2001 concerning corruption,” explained Judge Editerial SH MH.
Aggravating factors in the sentence of 5 years in prison, the judge added, include Gelek’s actions not supporting the government’s anti-corruption program and setting a bad example as the Head of the Village to the community.
In addition to the primary sentence, Gelek has also been ordered to reimburse the state for the approximate amount of Rp635 million as an additional penalty. He is given a stipulated time to return the funds, and failure to do so will result in an additional 2-year imprisonment.
In response to the criminal verdict, the defendant Alex Setiawan alias Gelek, present in the main courtroom of the Palembang Corruption Court, stated that he will contemplate his decision. Meanwhile, Harius Prangganata, the Public Prosecutor of PALI District Attorney’s Office, declared that Gelek will be given 7 days to determine whether he accepts the verdict or files an appeal.
The corruption case involving Gelek serves as an important lesson for the local community and government about the significance of transparency and accountability in the utilization of village funds. Hopefully, this incident will be a turning point in the fight against corruption at the village level and will encourage village leaders to uphold integrity in the execution of their governmental responsibilities.