46 smuggled migrants originating from Iran left Binuangeun on a boat destined for Australia, but were quickly forced to return when their vessel struck a reef and began taking on water. Some of the migrants and one smuggler were later apprehended on the Indonesian mainland. The smuggler, an Indonesian national by the name of Aser Kedoh bin Michael, was charged with offences relating to smuggling of migrants.
The accused was offered IDR 20,000,000 to captain the vessel, but never received payment.
One boat, 13m x 3.6m.
Pengadilan Negeri
The accused was found guilty of the primary charge; 'attempted people smuggling.'
The following factors were listed in the sentencing remarks as mitigating the imposition of a harsh sentence:
The accused was the 'backbone,' of his family.
The accused was polite and acknowledged his actions in order to streamline trial proceedings.
The defendant regretted his actions and promised not to repeat them in the future.
The defendant had not previously been convicted nor previously dealt with the authorities.
Failure to pay the fine would result in a further 1 month imprisonment.
Another crew member, known as 'Peter,' is listed as being at large.
The accused was a crew member aboard a vessel intended to transport smuggled migrants to Australia.
Pengadilan Negeri (District Court)
Pengadilan Negeri Rangkasbitung Putusan Nomor 209/Pid.Sus/2012/PN.Rkb
This entry was copied from The Migrant Smuggling Case Database, launched by the University of Queensland Migrant Smuggling Working Group in August 2013.
