PRIME NEWS POST

The INDONESIAN , (Jakarta)— Ahmad Yahya Tikori, official at the Legal Consultation and Aid Institute of the National Board of Indonesian Law Students Association (LKBH DPN PERMAHI), has issued a statement regarding growing media coverage of Anton Timbang, a prominent public figure in Southeast Sulawesi and Chairman of the province’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN).

He urged the public to approach the matter objectively while upholding the presumption of innocence, a fundamental principle of Indonesia’s legal system. The postgraduate student at Universitas Pancasila explained that being named a suspect is not the conclusion of a legal process, but rather a procedural stage that will be tested in court.

As a native of Southeast Sulawesi, Tikori described Anton Timbang as a figure deeply concerned for local communities and the business sector. Timbang is recognized for driving economic activity through his enterprises and delivering social programs widely felt by the public.

“My intention is certainly not to interfere with legal proceedings. But as a son of this region, I have personally witnessed and experienced Anton Timbang’s tangible contributions to Southeast Sulawesi,” he said during an interview at a coffee shop on Jl. Prof. Soepomo, South Jakarta.

He added that many people have gained employment opportunities through Timbang, and he himself has received his support. “Such contributions cannot simply be erased from public consideration,” he noted.

Tikori emphasized Timbang’s leadership at KADIN Southeast Sulawesi as integral to fostering an investment climate and regional economic growth. A robust business sector is vital for creating jobs and improving community welfare.

He also addressed controversy surrounding a photograph of Timbang alongside the President at a KADIN event at the State Palace. “The meeting was part of KADIN’s official agenda with the President. It is inaccurate to interpret his presence as evidence of special treatment or link it to the substance of an ongoing legal case,” he stressed.

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He also cited official statements from the Criminal Investigation Department (Bareskrim) of the Indonesian National Police, confirming that Timbang has not been detained due to his cooperation during the investigation phase, while case handover procedures have been coordinated with the Prosecutor’s Office.

According to Tikori, this official update demonstrates that law enforcement authorities are acting within their legal mandate. The public should avoid forming judgments before the judicial process is complete.

“We must allow law enforcement to work professionally, independently, and objectively. At the same time, the legal rights of every citizen — including Anton Timbang — must be respected in accordance with the rule of law,” he reiterated.

He clarified that his remarks are not intended to defend any violation or interfere with the investigation, but to acknowledge Timbang’s contributions to Southeast Sulawesi’s economy and society, while calling for public objectivity.

“I believe the legal process must be respected, yet we must also view it with maturity without disregarding his constitutional rights. No one may be judged until a final ruling is issued. I urge the public to look at the full picture — service, social contributions, and dedication to the region should not vanish from memory simply because a legal process is ongoing and has not reached a final verdict,” he concluded.