PALMOILMAGAZINE, PASANGKAYU, WEST SULAWESI — The Pasangkayu District Court held a hearing on Wednesday (26/11) to deliver the verdict in criminal case Number 80/Pid.B/2025/PN Pky. The session took place in the Cakra Courtroom.
Presiding Judge Maruly Agustinus Sinaga, accompanied by Associate Judges Bill Clinton and Bili Achmad, declared the defendants guilty of aggravated theft.
“Both Defendants —Remon Putra and Irman, also known as Dego Putra— are hereby found legally and convincingly guilty of committing the crime of ‘theft under aggravating circumstances,’ as stated in the primary charge of the public prosecutor,” Judge Maruly read aloud, quoted by Palmoilmagazine.com from Dandapala.
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The incident occurred on Tuesday (19/08/2025) at around 00:07 WITA, when Remon and Irman stole oil palm fruit from a plantation in Buana Jaya Hamlet, Kastabuana Village, Bulutaba District, Pasangkayu Regency. The owner, I Komang Sudirta, suffered a loss of approximately IDR 1.4 million from the 540 kg of harvested fresh fruit bunches.
During the investigation, an unexpected detail emerged: one of the defendants admitted he committed the theft to pay for his wife’s upcoming childbirth. This revelation moved the victim deeply.
A Remarkable Act of Compassion
In an extraordinary turn, I Komang did more than forgive the defendants — he offered to cover the childbirth costs for Remon’s wife, who was eight months pregnant, and even offered both defendants work in his palm oil plantation.
The courtroom fell silent as the defendants wept, embraced the victim, and apologized. Komang returned the embrace warmly, “like a father forgiving his children,” witnesses recalled.
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The panel of judges emphasized the principle of restorative justice in their written decision:
“Restorative justice focuses on restoring conditions to their previous state, including compensation for losses, repairing relationships between the defendants and the victim, and restoring harmony within the community. The aim is to reestablish balance between the defendants, the victim, and society.”
Judge Maruly and his fellow judges expressed profound admiration for the victim’s generosity and sincerity.
A Lesson in Humanity Beyond the Law
Speaking to the Dandapala Team, Pasangkayu District Court Chief Judge Yunianto Agung reflected on the rare emotional moment:
“Beyond the restorative justice procedures mandated by Supreme Court Regulation No. 1 of 2024, yesterday’s touching moment reminded us that behind every criminal case are humans — with their mistakes, remorse, and hopes for change. May this story inspire others to remember that justice can be delivered not only through a verdict, but also through compassion and the courage to forgive.” (P3)
