Supriyani had been accused of hitting a first-grader student, D, the child of a local police officer, on April 26, 2024.
In reading the verdict, panel member Vivi Fatmawaty Ali stated that the evidence presented did not sufficiently prove Supriyani’s guilt as charged by the public prosecutor.
"The court, therefore, sided with the defendant’s defense and rejected the prosecutor’s demands. To rectify the situation, Supriyani’s rights will be fully restored," Ali remarked.
Chief Justice Stevie Rosano echoed the court’s decision, emphasizing that Supriyani was not legally culpable.
As a result, all charges against her were dropped. The court ordered the return of evidence, including school uniforms and a broom, to their respective owners.
The state will bear all trial costs.
The court’s decision was met with joy and relief from Supriyani’s colleagues and family, who were present in the courtroom.
Following the verdict, Supriyani was seen embracing her supportive colleagues amid tears of gratitude.
Supriyani's case went viral last month after being detained at the Kendari Women's Penitentiary on October 16. She was released a week later, considering her family obligations, including caring for a toddler and her ongoing teaching responsibilities at SDN 4 Baito.
Various groups, including teachers' associations and politicians, have rallied behind Supriyani, using the hashtag #SaveSupriyani to express solidarity.
Chairperson of the Indonesian Teachers Association (PGRI) of Baito District Hasna admitted that disciplinary measures are sometimes necessary in schools, albeit she emphasized that they should be reasonable and not involve physical abuse.
Police officers under scrutiny
Meanwhile, the Professional and Security Division (Bid Propam) of the Southeast Sulawesi Regional Police has prepared the case files for the code of ethics trial against Baito Police Chief Inspector Police Two (Ipda) Muhammad Idris and his member Ajun Inspector One (Aiptu) Amiruddin.
Both officers were sacked from their positions and transferred to the South Konawe Police for allegedly demanding a bribe of Rp2 million from honorary teacher Supriyani as a settlement.
Earlier, on Monday, November 11, the public prosecutor of the South Konawe District Attorney’s Office demanded Supriyani’s acquittal.
Public prosecutor Ujang Sutisna argued that the trial facts indicated that Supriyani’s violent act against a child was a spontaneous, isolated incident.
He emphasized that there was no evidence suggesting malicious intent.
Sutisna further argued that Supriyani’s actions did not constitute a criminal offense.
He contended that Supriyani should be acquitted due to her polite demeanor during the trial, her long-standing service as a part-time teacher since 2009, her responsibilities as a mother of two young children, and her clean criminal record.
Related news: Concerns and controversy surround teacher Supriyani's alleged abuse
Reporter: La Ode Muh. Deden Saputra, Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaks
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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