In a significant pre-trial hearing at the South Jakarta District Court (PN Jaksel) on Friday, October 17th, prominent human rights activist Delpedro Marhaen demanded that the judicial panel declare his suspect status invalid. The courtroom was filled not only by his mother but also by hundreds of his fervent supporters, underscoring the public’s keen interest in the case.
Through his legal representatives, Delpedro further petitioned the panel of judges to instruct Polda Metro Jaya to promptly release him from detention. His core argument rests on the assertion that his designation as a suspect is “legally unfounded,” a claim central to his legal challenge.
“Therefore, the determination of his suspect status lacks binding legal force,” stated Al Ayyubi Harahap, one of Delpedro’s lawyers, to BBC News Indonesia reporter Silvano Hajid, who was reporting live from the courthouse on Friday.
Delpedro Marhaen Rismansyah is among those accused of incitement in connection with the waves of protests that swept through the country in August and September 2025. He is widely recognized as an accomplished lawyer, a dedicated researcher, and a tireless advocate for human rights.
Marhaen leads the Lokataru Foundation, a prominent non-governmental organization (NGO) committed to safeguarding human rights, promoting democracy, and upholding civil liberties across Indonesia. This influential institution was co-founded by fellow human rights activist Haris Azhar, further highlighting its pedigree in advocacy.
The arrest and subsequent detention of Delpedro and his colleagues by Polda Metro Jaya sparked widespread condemnation and ignited ongoing protests that continue to challenge the police’s actions. In response, numerous attempts have been made to secure their release, including requests for suspension of detention supported by various public figures serving as guarantors.
Notably, Shinta Wahid, a respected activist and the wife of the late President Abdurrahman Wahid (affectionately known as Gus Dur), also stepped forward to guarantee their release. However, these appeals have been disregarded by the police, forcing the legal process to continue its course.
From the very outset, Delpedro has steadfastly maintained his innocence in this case. Consequently, he, along with fellow suspects Muzaffar Salim, Syahdan Husein, and Kharia Anhar, initiated the pre-trial lawsuit to challenge their detention and suspect status. Public support for Delpedro and his companions has been unwavering, with solidarity pouring in from diverse community groups.
Delpedro’s mother, Magda Antista, was a poignant presence in the courtroom, arriving an hour before the scheduled start of the hearing. Expressing her deep concern, Magda shared, “He [Delpedro] always asks, ‘Is Mother healthy?’ He knows that I worry a lot,” revealing the emotional toll of the situation.
Similarly, Delpedro’s brother, Delpiero Hegelian, has consistently voiced his belief in his sibling’s innocence. Delpiero articulated the family’s resolve, stating, “We never beg the government for Delpedro’s release; instead, we demand nothing less than true justice.”
Beyond his immediate family, the pre-trial hearing was attended by approximately a hundred other supporters of Delpedro and his co-accused, demonstrating the broad base of solidarity. However, a significant point of contention arose when Delpedro and the other suspects were not physically brought to the pre-trial session, prompting strong protests from their legal team.
“We will continue to convey this request to the panel of judges in every hearing, insisting that Delpedro be present at all pre-trial proceedings,” affirmed Al Ayyubi, emphasizing the lawyers’ determination to ensure their client’s right to appear.
During the approximately 45-minute session, Delpedro’s legal counsel meticulously presented two primary arguments challenging the validity of his client’s suspect designation. “First, there was no legally obtained evidence to support the charges,” Al Ayyubi elaborated. “And second, there was no preliminary examination of Delpedro as a potential suspect, or even as a witness, before he was suddenly declared a suspect at the time of his arrest.”
Public Support Galvanizes Legal Challenge
The pre-trial proceedings at the South Jakarta District Court extended beyond Delpedro’s case. At least three adjacent courtrooms were simultaneously utilized to hear challenges against the suspect status of three other individuals: Muzaffar Salim, Syahdan Husein, and Kharia Anhar. Consistent with Delpedro’s situation, these co-petitioners were also notably absent from their respective courtrooms.
Inside and outside the court, a strong show of public support was evident. Individuals carried posters emblazoned with demands for the activists’ freedom into each courtroom. While the limited space inside the narrow courtrooms could not accommodate everyone present on that Friday morning, at least 100 people gathered outside, filling the area with their presence.
Among the supporters was Wibisono Sinaga, a colleague of Syahdan, who expressed the sentiment shared by many. “We provide emotional support, as a form of solidarity, to show them that they are not alone,” he conveyed, highlighting the collective spirit of the movement.
For Wibisono, the events unfolding against his colleague represent a blatant attempt at state-sanctioned suppression. He powerfully articulated his conviction, stating, “The state is not afraid of weapons, but the state is truly afraid of people who speak up.”
The hearing is scheduled to resume on Monday, October 20th. This next session will involve the police presenting their response, followed by the legal counsel’s rejoinder, and a final reply from the police, continuing the legal battle for justice.
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Summary
Human rights activist Delpedro Marhaen, head of the Lokataru Foundation, demanded the South Jakarta District Court declare his suspect status invalid during a pre-trial hearing on October 17th. Accused of incitement related to protests in August and September 2025, his lawyers argued his status is “legally unfounded” due to a lack of evidence and no prior examination. He also petitioned the court to instruct Polda Metro Jaya for his release, a demand supported by hundreds of advocates, including his family and public figures whose guarantees were disregarded.
Delpedro, along with co-accused Muzaffar Salim, Syahdan Husein, and Kharia Anhar, initiated this pre-trial lawsuit to challenge their detention. Their legal team protested their physical absence from the hearing, emphasizing their right to be present. The family and supporters unequivocally stated they seek “true justice” rather than government appeasement for Delpedro’s release. The hearing will continue with the police presenting their response.