M. Syahwan Arey testifying on behalf of the North Halmahera Regency KPU at the examination hearing for Case No. 122/PHPU.BUP-XXIII/2025 on the 2024 regent election, Wednesday (1/22/2025). Photo by MKRI/Bayu.

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JAKARTA (MKRI) - North Halmahera regent-vice regent candidates 04 Piet Hein Babua-Kasman Hi. Ahmad (Relevant Party) testified at the examination hearing for Case No. 122/PHPU.BUP-XXIII/2025 held on Wednesday, January 22, 2025. The Relevant Party responded to the argument of Candidate Pair 03 Matheus Stefi Pasimanjeku-Abdul Aziz (Petitioners) regarding the alleged misconduct of Piet Hein Babua via video call.

The Relevant Party’s legal counsel Ernest Sengi stated that Piet Hein Babua had met the requirements of never committing any misconduct. This was supported by a police clearance certificate (SKCK) issued by the North Halmahera Police and a certificate of no criminal conviction issued by the Tobelo District Court.

The Relevant Party argued they had properly fulfilled the administrative requirements for their candidacy in the election. The North Halmahera KPU clarified and verified the submitted documents. “[These documents] essentially meet the requirements, Your Honors,” stated Ernest in the plenary courtroom.

Meanwhile, the North Halmahera KPU (Elections Commission) as Respondent stated that the alleged misconduct via video call by Piet Hein Babua could not be considered valid evidence or a legal basis for disqualifying Candidate Pair 04. The Respondent also rejected the decision of the North Halmahera Bawaslu (Elections Supervisory Body) on the violations alleged by the Petitioners.

“The video taken cannot be legally proven to be authentic,” stated the Respondent’s legal counsel M. Syahwan Arey.

Meanwhile, North Halmahera Bawaslu chairperson Ahmad Idris stated that Bawaslu had received a report regarding the video. However, the report was not registered as it failed to meet formal and material requirements. “There was insufficient evidence, and the case could not proceed as it fell outside Bawaslu’s authority,” said Ahmad.

Also read: Alleging Sexual Misconduct, Petitioners Asked N. Halmahera Candidates Be Disqualified

Author              : Nawir Arsyad Akbar
Editor                : Tiara Agustina
Translator         : Nazila Rikhusshuba/Yuniar Widiastuti (NL) (RA)

Disclaimer: The original version of the news is in Indonesian. In case of any differences between the English and the Indonesian versions, the Indonesian version will prevail.

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