Lawyer Funds Rp 1 Billion for Film “The Judge”, Hopes Zarof Will Handle His Nephew’s Case

JAKARTA, KOMPAS — Lawyer Bert Nommensen expressed his disappointment after giving Rp1 billion to fund a film titled Sang Pengadil, made by former Supreme Court official Zarof Ricar who was a corruption defendant. The Rp1 billion was expected to be repaid by Zarof Ricar by helping to handle a court case involving his nephew. Unfortunately, Zarof has not fulfilled the assistance to handle the case and the money invested in the film has not produced any profit.

The disappointment was expressed by lawyer Bert Nommensen when he was presented by the public prosecutor as a witness in the continued hearing of the bribery case resulting in the acquittal of Gregorius Ronald Tannur and gratification at the Jakarta Corruption Court, Monday (28/4/2025). In addition to Zarof, this case also involves the defendant Lisa Rachmat, who is the legal representative of Ronald Tannur, and Meirizka Widjaja, who is Ronald's mother.

Ronald is the defendant in the murder case of Dini Sera Afrianti, his girlfriend. The two judges who accepted bribes to free Ronald, namely Erintuah Damanik and Mangapul, are facing a prison sentence of 9 years. Another judge who is also a defendant in the same case, Heru Hanindyo, is facing a prison sentence of 12 years.

In today's hearing, Bert was presented as a witness. Two other witnesses, namely Diah Puspita Ningrum from Maybank and Abdul Muluk, Retail Manager of Antam, were examined in turn. The hearing was presided over by Chief Judge Rosihan Juhriah Rangkuti.

Bert has known Zarof since they both studied at the Faculty of Law of the Christian University of Indonesia (UKI). Bert admitted that he was aware of Zarof's position as an official in the Supreme Court. However, he never met Zarof until Zarof retired from the Supreme Court. Their meeting only occurred around early 2023 during an alumni reunion of the Faculty of Law at UKI.

At the meeting, Zarof told him that he was producing the film Sang Pengadil, which tells the story of a judge who tries to be idealistic in carrying out his work. The film Sang Pengadil will be released in theaters in Indonesia on October 24, 2024.

"That's all he said, so I, well, actually joking, Mr. Zarof has a lot of money. He, he said, this is all I need money. Like that," said Bert when asked by the public prosecutor regarding his meeting with Zarof.

According to Bert, Zarof also said that he would help with any court case if he wanted to help fund the production of the film Sang Pengadil. Bert also admitted that he was interested in helping with the film because there were very few films with a legal theme and stories about judges. For the film, Zarof asked Bert for Rp 1 billion.

"At that time, he said Rp 1 billion because he had said, Bert, if you have a problem, maybe I can help you," said Bert.

After the meeting, Bert admitted to communicating intensively with Zarof through the WhatsApp messaging application. Upon hearing that Zarof wanted to assist with the case, Bert sent documentation for two matters, one criminal case involving his nephew and one civil case.

At that time, he mentioned Rp 1 billion because he had previously said, "Bert, if you have a case, maybe I can help."

Both cases are being processed at the Central Jakarta District Court. However, Bert and the public prosecutor did not disclose the details of the contents of the two cases.

"If I'm not mistaken, one is civil case number 2291, the other is 290 or 790," said Bert.

"Therefore, that is the note that has been conveyed to the defendant. Our question is on what basis did the witness then submit the case number data? Was it the witness's initiative?" asked the prosecutor.

"Oh, because I feel that with Rp 1 billion, I am allowed to. They said they could handle (the case) or whatever, that's what I've heard," said Bert.

"Does that mean there is any submission from the defendant? Meaning it will help in the process first?" asked the prosecutor again.

"Help if you can help. Because (Zarof) asked for a lot of files that I don't have. I'm not his lawyer in those two cases," said Bert.

After sending the notes on the two cases, Bert handed over 1 billion rupiah at Zarof's house. After the money was received, Bert hoped that Zarof could assist in the handling of the two cases.

However, Bert expressed disappointment as his nephew was still punished despite his assistance of Rp 1 billion for Zarof to produce the film. Even in other cases, the situation was similar.

"So, I have already helped with Rp 1 billion, the result was that my case was rejected, and my nephew was sentenced. So it is only natural that we are disappointed," said Bert.

In addition to being disappointed with the two cases still being found guilty, Bert also admitted to being disappointed because the film Sang Pengadil made by Zarof also did not provide any profit. The film only played for about a week in theaters.

He also stated that, if possible, he would like to reclaim the 1 billion rupiah from Zarof. "So the film didn't proceed, the money just disappeared," said Bert.

Hearing Bert's witness statement, Zarof denied ever promising to help with the case. Zarof also denied ever saying there would be a meeting of judges in Bandung to Bert so that he asked Bert to immediately give him Rp 1 billion for the making of the film Sang Pengadil.