Eman Sulaeman, the Judge Who Acquitted Pegi Setiawan, Possesses Assets Worth Rp294 Million

The Bandung District Court (PN Bandung) panel of judges has acquitted Pegi Setiawan of his suspect status in the murder case of Vina Dewi Arsita and Muhammad Rizky Rudiana, which occurred eight years ago in Cirebon, West Java.

"The pretrial motion of the applicant is granted in its entirety. The process of designating the applicant as a suspect based on the decision letter in the name of Pegi is declared invalid and null and void," said the single pretrial judge, Eman Sulaeman, during the hearing at the Bandung District Court, as reported by *Kompas.com* on Monday (8/7/2024).

The judge ordered the West Java Regional Police to cease the investigation into Pegi and release him from custody.

The judge's considerations for acquitting Pegi included the fact that the designation of a suspect was not in accordance with procedure, there was no summons for questioning before the suspect designation, and insufficient evidence.

(Read also: Kontras Says Culture of Violence Still Entrenched in the National Police)

At last week's pretrial closing hearing for Pegi, Judge Eman stated that he would rule on the lawsuit objectively and fairly.

"From the beginning, I said I have no interest in this case. I will decide objectively," he said at the hearing held on Friday (5/7/2024).

Eman spontaneously came under the spotlight for being considered a judge with a conscience who upholds justice. At least that's what Pegi said immediately after his release.

Eman is a junior senior judge at the Bandung District Court Class 1A Special. Born in Karawang on April 10, 1975, Eman began his career as a prospective judge (cakim) at the Garut District Court in 2002.

During his service, he has been stationed in several regions. According to *Tempo.co*, Eman previously worked at the Ketapang District Court, West Kalimantan in 2004, the Sambas District Court, West Kalimantan in 2007, the Kraksaan District Court, Probolinggo in 2010, and the Sumber District Court, Cirebon in 2013.

Based on the State Officials' Wealth Report (LHKPN), Eman had assets worth Rp294,03 million in 2023.

The majority of his assets come from property, valued at Rp720 million. This Bandung District Court judge is recorded as owning two plots of land and buildings, acquired through his own efforts, located in Bogor and Pemalang.

He also has cash and cash equivalents worth Rp35.56 million and other movable assets totaling Rp12.4 million. Eman is also reported to own only one vehicle, a 2013 Honda Scoopy worth Rp6.5 million.

As of the end of 2023, Eman had debts totaling Rp480.43 million.

Here is the complete breakdown of Eman Sulaeman's assets in 2023 based on the LHKPN:

* Land and buildings: Rp720,000,000
* Cash and cash equivalents: Rp35,565,736
* Other movable assets: Rp12,400,000
* Transportation: Rp6,500,000
* Debt: Rp-480,434,229
* Total assets: Rp294,031,507