Mataram, Legal Literacy – The Mataram District Court, West Nusa Tenggara, held the first hearing of a sexual harassment case with the defendant, a person with disabilities, I Wayan Agus Suartama (IWAS), or better known as Agus, on Thursday, January 16, 2025. This trial was conducted behind closed doors in accordance with special criminal case procedures, especially those related to decency cases.

"Because this is a special criminal case, namely decency, the trial is held behind closed doors. We also only mention the initials of the defendant (IWAS)," explained Lalu Moh. Sandi Iramaya, Spokesperson for the Mataram District Court, during a press conference at the Mataram District Court Media Center.

The Mataram District Court has prepared a number of steps to ensure that the trial runs according to the rules, including paying attention to the special needs of the defendant as a person with a disability.
"Several preparations have been made, such as the use of the main courtroom, the appointment of accompanying officers, and the provision of disability-friendly facilities," added Sandi.

The trial, which was led by Chief Judge Mahendrasmara Purnamajati, also involved assistance from the Mataram City Social Service. In the inaugural trial, the defendant's legal advisor was attended by seven people from a total team of 19 people.

The public prosecutor in this trial read out the indictment against Agus without any objections or exceptions from the defendant's legal advisor.

"The indictment has been read out, and there have been no objections or exceptions from the legal advisor," he said.

The next trial is scheduled for Thursday (23/1) with the agenda of proving. The public prosecutor plans to present five witnesses to give testimony before the panel of judges.

"We cannot disclose the names of the witnesses, but the evidence will involve five witnesses from the public prosecutor's office," said Sandi.

In the indictment, Agus was charged under Article 6 letters A and/or C juncto Article 15 paragraph (1) letter E of the Republic of Indonesia Law Number 12 of 2022 concerning Sexual Violence Crimes.