Presidential Special Staff Dini Purwono has responded to a civil lawsuit filed by Muslim figure Rizieq Shihab against President Joko Widodo, regarding alleged unlawful conduct.
Rizieq, the leader of the Markaz Syariah Islamic Boarding School in Megamendung, is suing President Jokowi for Rp5.246 trillion (US$335 million) through the Central Jakarta District Court.
The hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, October 8, 2024 at 10:00 AM, with the agenda focusing on the legal standing of the parties involved. This information is listed on the Central Jakarta District Court’s Case Tracking Information System (SIPP).
Dini said that the Presidential Palace, including President Jokowi, respects every citizen’s right to pursue legal action. However, she emphasized that legal actions should be taken seriously and responsibly.
“Anyone making a legal claim must provide proof,” Dini said on Monday, October 7, 2024, while adding that legal processes should not be misused for publicity or provocation.
Reflecting on Jokowi’s 10-year tenure, Dini acknowledged there have been strengths and weaknesses. Still, she said, the president leaves it to the public to assess his service and contributions to the nation.
She noted that the palace could not comment further on the lawsuit, as it is now under the jurisdiction of the court.
“We’ll have to wait and see how the case progresses to clarify whether this lawsuit is directed at President Jokowi in his official capacity or as a private individual,” Dini said. Rizieq’s lawsuit, filed under case number 611/Pdt.G/2024/PN Jkt.Pst, seeks to have the court declare that the president violated the law and demands compensation of Rp5.246 trillion to be paid into the state treasury.
