Hukum: Recent Episodes

Hukum

True crime in Indonesia - one case at a time.

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Netflix’s new show Baby Reindeer widely received rave reviews when it first aired, until it was met with increasing backlash about the streamer’s duty of care to the subjects in the drama - which was billed as “a true story”.

The show provides a harrowing look at abuse and stalking, which writer Richard Gadd said he received at the hands of his real-life stalker “Martha”. When internet sleuths tracked down the real Martha however, the show’s trajectory took a dark turn, prompting questions about what really happened between the two protagonists.

In this episode of the Hukum podcast, we discuss the show, the intersection of writing and the law, and the real-life Martha’s (Fiona Harvey) bombshell interview with Piers Morgan.

Hukum is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hukum.substack.com/subscribe

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In July 2023, four people sat down for lunch with homeowner Erin Patterson at her house in Leongatha in Victoria, Australia.

Just a few days later, three of them were dead, and the police suspected that they were deliberately poisoned with deadly Death Cap mushrooms - a single bite of which can prove fatal.

Now, Erin Patterson is facing three counts of murder and four counts of attempted murder, after allegedly poisoning her lunch guests - including her ex-husband’s parents, aunt and uncle - with a spiked beef wellington.

As the case finally starts to work its way through the Australian court system, Hukum takes a look at how women kill, the intricacies of cooking a beef wellington, and why you should never throw away evidence in a murder case.

Hukum is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Photo credit: Pixabay (a false death cap mushroom)

This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hukum.substack.com/subscribe

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In May 2015, Engeline Megawe’s photograph went viral when a social media page posted by her family said that the 8-year-old was missing from her home in Sanur in Bali.

When her body was found buried in a garden in June, her murder shocked Indonesia and prompted calls for the country to more tightly monitor adoptions.

In this episode, Aisyah tells special guest Aisyah all about the case…

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Disclaimer: This post does not constitute legal advice. While every effort has been made to translate legal documents accurately from Indonesian to English, the contents of this newsletter is for information only based on Hukum’s understanding of the law.

Photo credit: Facebook

Hukum is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hukum.substack.com/subscribe

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This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit hukum.substack.com

The murder of a young police brigadier in July 2022 has been dubbed “Indonesia’s biggest police scandal" with five people, including the former head of Indonesia’s Internal Affairs, accused of premeditated murder.

As the trial continues, Hukum takes a look at the case so far now that the prosecution has rested its case and handed over to the defence…

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It is 27 April 1997, and a woman is found dead in a sugar cane plantation in North Sumatra.

The discovery of her body will lead to the arrest of Indonesia's most prolific serial killer, Ahmad Suradji aka Dukun AS, a shaman who performs spells for desperate patients who visit him in a sleepy hamlet on the outskirts of the city of Medan.

In Part 2 of Indonesia's Worst Serial Killer, Hukum travels to Dusun Aman Damai to meet the people closest to the case.

Photos:

The sugar cane plantation.

Siti, Niar and Tika.

Gravedigger Hendra.

Sri Kemala Dewi's husband, Tumin.

Sri Kemala Dewi's grave.

A sugar cane juice seller at Dusun Aman Damai.

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This holiday season…consider giving the gift of Hukum.

You can buy monthly or yearly subscriptions as a gift and all subscriptions come with a range of Hukum themed holiday cards to download this holiday season.

You can time when the subscription starts and send it just in time for the holidays.

Disclaimer: This post does not constitute legal advice. While every effort has been made to translate legal documents accurately from Indonesian to English, the contents of this newsletter is for information only based on Hukum’s understanding of the law.

Hukum is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hukum.substack.com/subscribe

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This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit hukum.substack.com

When a recent adult film involving a traditional red kebaya went viral in Indonesia, the police were swift to act and arrest the actors involved.

The case, however, raised questions about how Indonesian law handles pornographic content and how it draws the line between commercial pornography and personal sex tapes.

This podcast also discusses one of the…

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Aisyah After Dark is a Hukum podcast that focuses on narrative true crime stories. You can listen to it whenever you want, but it is recommended that you tune in under the cover of darkness.

In this episode of Aisyah After Dark, we tell you the story of Beverly Hills lawyer Tom Girardi and the missing Lion Air millions.

When Lion Air flight JT-610 crashed into the Java Sea shortly after takeoff from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta on 29 October 2018, killing all 189 aboard, the families of the victims turned to LA-based lawyer Tom Girardi to sue the maker of the Boeing 737 Max plane.

But when the settlement money failed to arrive, the families were left with more questions than answers and yet another legal battle ensued as they tried to reclaim the lost funds.

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Disclaimer: This post does not constitute legal advice. While every effort has been made to translate legal documents accurately from Indonesian to English, the contents of this newsletter is for information only based on Hukum’s understanding of the law.

Hukum is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hukum.substack.com/subscribe

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Indonesia was shocked in July when the news of the brutal murder of young police officer Yosua Hutabarat, known as Brigadier J, came to light.

Since then, the case has continued to captivate the nation, as Hutabarat’s boss and the former head of Internal Affairs, Ferdy Sambo, has been charged with his murder along with his wife Putri Candrawathi and three of their staff.

Sambo and Candrawathi had their first day in court on 17 October, where they face charges of premeditated murder. This podcast looks at the case as a whole as well as first impressions of one of the most hotly anticipated trials in recent memory.

Further Reading:

Murder trial of ex-Indonesian Police General Ferdy Sambo begins - Al Jazeera

The general, his wife and their dead bodyguard: A suspicious shooting grips a nation - Sydney Morning Herald

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Disclaimer: This post does not constitute legal advice. While every effort has been made to translate legal documents accurately from Indonesian to English, the contents of this newsletter is for information only based on Hukum’s understanding of the law.

Hukum is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hukum.substack.com/subscribe

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Over 130 people were killed at Kanjuruhan Stadium in Malang, East Java on 1 October when fans invaded the pitch after a football match and were fired at by Indonesian police armed with tear gas and batons.

Now, six people have been named suspects in the case, including three police officers and three civilians, but who is ultimately responsible for the tragedy at the stadium?

Further Reading:

How police action in Indonesia led to a deadly crush in the soccer stadium - Washington Post

FIFA Stadium and Security Regulations

Disclaimer: This post does not constitute legal advice. While every effort has been made to translate legal documents accurately from Indonesian to English, the contents of this newsletter is for information only based on Hukum’s understanding of the law.

Hukum is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hukum.substack.com/subscribe

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This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit hukum.substack.com

Indonesia has been gripped by the story of an alleged hacker who has leaked SIM card data and engaged in a war of words with senior political figures.

As the story has developed at a breakneck pace, it has highlighted the gaps in Indonesia’s cybersecurity capabilities as well as issues with current data protection legislation.

This podcast looks at the h…

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This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit hukum.substack.com

At the end of August, local and international media reported that a transgender Peruvian national died while in police custody in Bali after being suspected of bringing marijuana edibles into the country.

Rodrigo Ventocilla’s family has called for a full investigation, but was this a mysterious death in custody or an explainable tragedy?

This podcast disc…

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This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit hukum.substack.com

Indonesian terrorist Umar Patek was sentenced to 20 years in prison in 2012 for mixing chemicals used to make some of the bombs that killed 202 people in Bali in 2002.

As news broke of his potential “early release” last week, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese talked of making “diplomatic representations” to the Indonesian government.

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Eleven Indonesian villagers who are suing ExxonMobil Corporation for alleged human rights abuses will finally go to court after a judge ruled at the end of July that their case can go to trial.

On this episode of the Hukum podcast, we read through the 85-page opinion in which US District Court Judge Royce Lamberth ruled that the case should be heard in front of a jury after dragging through the US court system for 21 years.

Further reading and listening:

Indonesian ExxonMobil accusers get day in court after 21 years - Al Jazeera

ExxonMobil bid to end Indonesia lawsuit found ‘meritless’ - Al Jazeera

Disclaimer: This post does not constitute legal advice. While every effort has been made to accurately discuss the legal documents available, the contents of this newsletter is for information only based on Hukum’s understanding of the law.

Hukum is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber

This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hukum.substack.com/subscribe

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A recent viral video of a Caucasian couple walking along a beach in Aceh Singkil sparked debate online about the rules regarding dress codes in the conservative province which enjoys semi-autonomous status from the rest of Indonesia.

This podcast discusses the history of Aceh Province, its judicial status within Indonesia and whether wearing a bikini is actually prohibited by law.

Further reading:

Biki-no! Aceh authorities pursuing tourist filmed beach strolling in two-piece swimsuit - Coconuts Jakarta

Helsinki Memorandum of Understanding

Qanun Aceh Nomor 8 Tahun 2014

Ulama Aceh Keluarkan Fatwa Wisata Halal, Turis Diimbau Ikuti Syariat Islam - Detik Travel

Disclaimer: This post does not constitute legal advice. While every effort has been made to translate legal documents accurately from Indonesian to English, the contents of this newsletter is for information only based on Hukum’s understanding of the law.

Hukum is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hukum.substack.com/subscribe

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Indonesia is currently in the process of updating its Criminal Code - a document that dates from 1918 and was 136 years in the making.

In 2019, riots swept the country as Indonesians protested against the proposed changes to the code - which included articles such as blasphemy, sedition and adultery - which many felt clamped down on civil liberties and freedom of expression.

On 25 May, Indonesian Parliament discussed "14 Crucial Issues" in the latest version of the code and provided a written matrix of these articles along with the amendments made following the protests in 2019 and notes on the proposed changes.

These “14 Crucial Issues” provide a glimpse into some of the most controversial articles to perhaps beincluded in the code, which could be signed into law at any time.

This podcast looks at these issues and explains some of the background, meaning and legal implications behind them.

Further reading:

Why is Indonesia’s draft criminal code so controversial? - Al Jazeera

Indonesia ‘democracy, human rights at risk’ as row over criminal code heats up - SCMP

KOMISI III DPR RI RDP DENGAN TIM PEMERINTAH TERKAIT RUU TENTANG KUHP - YouTube

Aliansi Nasional Reformasi KUHP

Disclaimer: This post does not constitute legal advice. While every effort has been made to translate legal documents accurately from Indonesian to English, the contents of this newsletter is for information only based on Hukum’s understanding of the law.

Hukum is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hukum.substack.com/subscribe

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It is 6 January 2016, and two women meet at an upscale café in Jakarta, Indonesia for coffee and cocktails.

One dies of suspected cyanide poisoning, and the other is charged with her murder.

The case goes on to be dubbed “the trial of the century” in Indonesia.

The finale of “The Cyanide Coffee Murder” looks at Jessica’s sentencing, corruption in Indonesia, and the problems with legal appeals.

It is Aisyah's 38th birthday today 🍾 For the next 24 hours, Hukum is offering a 38% discount for annual subscriptions to celebrate

All funds will be put towards Aisyah's law school fees so she can continue to take you through Indonesia's legal system - one case at a time 🥳

Thank you for your support!

Sources:

‘Jessica Wongso found guilty in cyanide coffee case, but she may not yet have had a fair trial’ - The Conversation

Season One - Serial Podcast

Death in a Cafe - 60 Minutes Australia

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It is 27 April 1997 and a woman is found dead in a sugar cane plantation in North Sumatra.

The discovery of her body will solve years of missing person's cases in the surrounding area and lead to the arrest of Indonesia's most prolific serial killer to date.

In Part 1 of Indonesia's Worst Serial Killer, we look at serial killings through the ages, what makes a serial killer, and why serial killings are on the decline.

If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider sharing it and becoming a paid subscriber for USD 5 per month or USD 50 per year.

Sources:

Why were there so many serial killers in the 1980s? - BBC

What makes a serial killer? - the Guardian

Photo credit: Pixabay

This is a public episode. Get access to private episodes at hukum.substack.com/subscribe

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It is 6 January 2016, and two women meet at an upscale café in Jakarta for coffee and cocktails.

One dies of suspected cyanide poisoning, and the other is charged with her murder.

The case goes on to be dubbed “the trial of the century” in Indonesia.

The fourth episode of “The Cyanide Coffee Murder” looks at expert witnesses, Jessica’s life in Australia, and how we portray women in the media.

If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider sharing it and becoming a paid subscriber for USD 5 per month or USD 50 per year.

Sources:

‘Jessica Wongso found guilty in cyanide coffee case, but she may not yet have had a fair trial’ - The Conversation

Cyanide coffee murder: Alleged killer Jessica Wongso had Australian restraining order, court told - Sydney Morning Herald

Jessica mentally fit, says expert - Jakarta Post

Of the cyanide trial and stigma against mental disorders - Jakarta Post

“They've taken her!" — Psychoanalytic perspectives on mediating maternity, feeling and loss - Caroline Bainbridge

Photo credit: AAP/Oscar Siagian via the Conversation

This is a public episode. Get access to private episodes at hukum.substack.com/subscribe

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It is 6 January 2016, and two women meet at an upscale café in Jakarta, Indonesia for coffee and cocktails.

One dies of suspected cyanide poisoning, and the other is charged with her murder.

The case goes on to be dubbed “the trial of the century” in Indonesia.

The third episode of “The Cyanide Coffee Murder” looks at motive, courtroom drama, and Indonesia's famous Batak lawyers.

If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider sharing it and becoming a paid subscriber to Hukum for USD 5 per month or USD 50 per year.

Sources:

Female murderers have motives different from those of men who kill - ABC Australia

Defense lawyer tells court Olivier barista paid to kill Mirna - Jakarta Post

Cyanide Coffee Trial: When court hearings turn into a show - Jakarta Post

Photo credit: Pixabay

This is a public episode. Get access to private episodes at hukum.substack.com/subscribe

View Details

It is 6 January 2016, and two women meet at an upscale café in Jakarta, Indonesia for coffee and cocktails.

One dies of suspected cyanide poisoning, and the other is charged with her murder.

The case goes on to be dubbed “the trial of the century” in Indonesia.

The second episode of “The Cyanide Coffee Murder” looks at cause of death, the unreliability of cyanide, and the battle of the expert witnesses.

If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider sharing it and becoming a paid subscriber to Hukum for USD 5 per month or USD 50 per year.

Sources:

Why Women Kill - BBC

The Weapons Men and Women Most Use to Kill - Washington Post

The Science Behind How Cyanide Kills You - Labroots

Third Australian Expert Questions Cyanide Death in Alleged Coffee Murder - Sydney Morning Herald

‘Jessica Wongso Found Guilty in Cyanide Coffee Case, But She May Not Have Had a Fair Trial’ - Coconuts Jakarta

Photo Credit: Pixabay

This is a public episode. Get access to private episodes at hukum.substack.com/subscribe

View Details

It is 6 January 2016, and two women meet at an upscale cafe in Jakarta, Indonesia for coffee and cocktails.

One dies of suspected cyanide poisoning, and the other is charged with her murder.

The case goes on to be dubbed “the trial of the century” in Indonesia.

The first episode of “The Cyanide Coffee Murder” looks at what happened, Indonesia's surprising murder rates and how the cafe chose to respond to its new, infamous image.

If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider sharing it and becoming a paid subscriber to Hukum.

Photo credit: Facebook/Olivier Jakarta

This is a public episode. Get access to private episodes at hukum.substack.com/subscribe