Zarof Ricar Defense Plea, Claims of Remorse But Complaints About Treatment in Prison, Kompas.com

By Syakirun Ni’am, Ardito Ramadhan for Kompas.com, June 10, 2025

Jakarta — During a defense submission hearing at the Jakarta Corruption Court on June 10, 2025, former court official at Indonesia’s Supreme Court Zarof Ricar admitted to amassing nearly Rp 1 trillion (about $63 million) through a series of bribes, gratuities and illegal fees.

In his written defense submission (pledoi), Zarof claimed he was remorseful for his actions, apologized directly to Indonesia’s national Supreme Court and lamented what he claimed had been harsher treatment than others during his time in detention.

“I realize I have deeply tarnished the name of the Supreme Court and betrayed public trust,” Zarof wrote, according to court transcripts. “To the honorable justices of the Supreme Court, I offer my sincerest apologies. I pray for your forgiveness.”

But alongside his contrition, Zarof also claimed that he had faced different conditions behind bars compared to other inmates—a claim that has stirred debate among legal observers. “I believe I was singled out for harsher restrictions,” he argued, without providing details.

Prosecutors allege that between 2015 and 2022, Zarof orchestrated a network of intermediaries to solicit and collect bribes and gratuities from litigants and corporate clients wishing to influence Supreme Court decisions. The total sum under scrutiny amounts to nearly Rp 1 trillion, including funds stored in domestic bank accounts, safe-deposit boxes and undisclosed offshore holdings.

According to the indictment, Zarof’s scheme unfolded in three main streams: bribes for favorable case rulings, mostly in high-stakes commercial disputes; gratification payments—ostensibly “gifts”—made to expedite legal proceedings; and illegal fees on attorneys and court staff who served as conduits for the illicit money.

During cross-examination, prosecutors walked the court through a paper trail of bank transfers, hand-delivered envelopes and handwritten logs that traced the flow of cash from clients to Zarof’s personal wealth. They alleged couriers would rotate clandestine drop-off points in Jakarta’s Central Business District to evade detection.

In his defense statement, Zarof did not contest the sums alleged by the prosecution, acknowledging instead that “every rupiah” was ill-gotten. He asked the court to consider leniency on the grounds of his cooperation. Zarof has reportedly provided investigators with names of several accomplices within the judiciary and banking sectors.

Legal experts say the case exposes systemic vulnerabilities in Indonesia’s highest court. “When a mid-level official can divert almost a trillion rupiah over seven years, it indicates deeper institutional rot,” noted Nur Aisyah, a governance analyst at the Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation.

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), which led the investigation, described Zarof’s admissions as a breakthrough. “This forthcoming trial will not only hold one man accountable but also send a message that no one—regardless of rank—stands above the law,” said a Commission spokesperson.

Zarof’s defense team requested a reduced sentence in light of his cooperation and expressions of remorse, but did not specify what prison term they are seeking. Under Indonesia’s anti-corruption statutes, he faces up to life imprisonment and asset forfeiture.

The court is expected to hear final submissions in the coming weeks, after which a verdict and sentencing date will be set. As proceedings continue, the public is watching closely.

Ronald Tannur was acquitted of injury causing death of his girlfriend Dini Sera Afrianti by the Surabaya District Court on July 24, 2024. He is the son of former National Awakening Party House of Representative member for East Nusa Tenggara Edward Tannur. Edward Tannur was suspended in July 2024 by the National Awaking Party because the party “did not want to be associated with the release of his son”.

This post is based on https://nasional.kompas.com/read/2025/06/10/12170331/baca-pledoi-zarof-ricar-merasa-dapat-perlakuan-berbeda-di-tahanan; https://nasional.kompas.com/read/2025/06/10/12254261/kasus-suap-gratifikasi-hampir-rp-1-triliun-zarof-ricar-minta-maaf-ke-ma-dan; https://nasional.kompas.com/read/2025/06/10/12552481/timbun-uang-hampir-rp-1-t-eks-pejabat-ma-zarof-ricar-minta-maaf; https://nasional.kompas.com/read/2025/06/10/12552481/timbun-uang-hampir-rp-1-t-eks-pejabat-ma-zarof-ricar-minta-maaf; and https://nasional.kompas.com/read/2025/06/11/06300931/sesal-dan-pembelaan-zarof-ricar-yang-timbun-uang-haram-rp-1-triliun.

In related news:

• https://nasional.kompas.com/read/2025/06/18/16352131/tangis-hakim-pecah-saat-bacakan-vonis-zarof-ricar-keserakahan-bikin-nama
• https://kumparan.com/kumparannews/kejagung-kaget-temukan-uang-nyaris-rp-1-t-and-emas-51-kg-di-rumah-eks-pejabat-ma-23mnxvvc88a/full
• Corruption: Stunned Investigators Find $63 Million in Cash and 51 Kg of Gold in Home of Former Supreme Court Official, Kumparan, 25 October 2024
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