Renowned Lawyer Tim Hasto Unveils Breakthrough Investigation Strategy: Unveiling the ‘Orange Eating Orange’ Method
In a courtroom at the Corruption Eradication Court (Tipikor) in Jakarta on Friday, March 14, 2025, the General Secretary of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan), Hasto Kristiyanto, faced his debut trial with the public prosecutor reading the indictment. The atmosphere was charged with the weight of political struggle, echoing the defiance of a bygone era when Bung Karno stood trial against colonial rule in the 1930s.
Todung Mulya Lubis, Hasto’s legal advisor, emphasized that for the PDI Perjuangan and Hasto Kristiyanto, this trial symbolized a political battle fought with unwavering spirit—albeit under different circumstances compared to the past. Today, political opposition to corrupt power and constitutional violations is being criminalized under the guise of anti-corruption efforts.
“Todung asserts that Hasto Kristiyanto is a political prisoner silenced with corruption charges,” Todung stated, underscoring the contentious nature of the trial.
Febri Diansyah, another legal counsel for Hasto, highlighted their commitment to scrutinizing every accusation presented by the public prosecutor and the evidence presented in court. Expressing concerns over potential procedural violations and abuse of power during the investigation phase, Febri emphasized the importance of a fair, balanced, and independent judicial process post-referral to court, devoid of external interference.
“We also hope that this courtroom process serves as an educational platform for the public,” Febri added, emphasizing the broader societal implications of the legal proceedings.
Upon reviewing the case files submitted by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), Febri revealed that approximately 60 witnesses and 20 experts had provided statements during the investigative phase. A significant number of these witnesses had previously testified in two earlier cases that had reached legally binding court verdicts.
Maqdir Ismail, another legal advisor to Hasto, echoed these sentiments, shedding light on the KPK’s perceived hastiness in expediting the case transfer to court following the pre-trial proceedings. Notably, the swift transition from the investigation to the prosecution phase to the judicial referral within a single day raised eyebrows, considering that standard KPK cases typically undergo a 2-week to 20-day transition period in the first detention phase post-prosecution.
“This accelerated timeline underscores the KPK’s heightened focus on this case, further strengthening the political undertones at play,” Maqdir remarked, hinting at potential biases influencing the proceedings.
Moreover, Maqdir pointed out weaknesses in the KPK’s evidentiary practices, particularly concerning the reliance on testimonies from current and former KPK investigators and staff actively involved in the case. This raised concerns about the objectivity and reliability of the evidence presented, casting a shadow of doubt on the prosecution’s narrative.
As the trial unfolds, the intricate web of legal arguments, political undertones, and procedural intricacies promises a gripping narrative that transcends the confines of the courtroom. The outcome of Hasto Kristiyanto’s trial could reverberate across Indonesia’s political landscape, shaping public discourse and perceptions of justice and accountability.
With each witness testimony and legal maneuver, the ‘Orange Eating Orange’ investigation method devised by Lawyer Tim Hasto reveals new layers of complexity and intrigue, inviting scrutiny and reflection on the intersection of law, power, and morality in contemporary Indonesian politics. As the legal saga unfolds, the quest for truth and justice intertwines with the pursuit of political legitimacy and moral rectitude, painting a vivid portrait of a nation grappling with its past, present, and future.
