A coordinator of the United Pati Society Alliance, Supriyono, poured mineral water onto the head of a judge during a heated court hearing in Central Java, triggering swift condemnation from judicial authorities who warned the act damaged institutional integrity.
The Courthouse Confrontation in Pati
The incident occurred on Friday, October 9, 2026, at the Pati District Court, detikNews reported. Supriyono, commonly known as Botok, attended the court to accompany a local resident during an official audience concerning case number 5/Pid.Pra/2026/PN.Pti, which involves a pre-trial hearing for a suspect named Utomo in a boat engine theft case, according to SINDOnews Nasional. Tension escalated near the end of the session when Botok accused a judge of accepting a bribe of Rp 1 billion. Following the accusation, Botok threw mineral water onto Judge Retno Lastiani, who serves as a judge and the spokesperson for the Pati District Court.
Judicial Commission Condemns Intimidation
The Judicial Commission condemned the attack as an act of misbehaving in court that directly assaulted the impartiality of the judiciary. Anita Kadir, a spokesperson for the Judicial Commission, stated in a written release on Monday, October 12, 2026, that the agency views the incident with deep concern and will provide protection to the judge through its advocacy duties. The commission urged the Pati District Court to coordinate closely regarding potential charges of degrading the honor and dignity of a judge, while encouraging the strict enforcement of Supreme Court regulations on courtroom security.
Supreme Court Rejects Bribery Allegations
Leadership at the Supreme Court expressed regret over the attack and defended Judge Retno Lastiani during a press conference at the Supreme Court building in Jakarta on Monday, October 12, 2026. Dr. H. Heru Pramono, a Supreme Court justice and spokesperson, appeared alongside the Head of the Supervisory Body, Muh. Djauhar Setyadi, and the Head of the Legal and Public Relations Bureau, Dr. Andi Julia Cakrawala, to address the public fallout. Heru stated that the Supreme Court will not tolerate violence or intimidation against judges performing official duties.
Addressing the corruption allegations, Heru confirmed that the Supreme Court’s Supervisory Body conducted an immediate clarification with Judge Retno. Investigators found no evidence supporting the claim of a Rp 1 billion bribe. Dandapala Digital reported that Retno maintains a clean career record without previous disciplinary complaints regarding her integrity.
Legal Consequences and Next Steps
Authorities have left criminal proceedings regarding the water-pouring incident to the Pati District Court and local law enforcement, while the Supreme Court monitors the case progression. SINDOnews Nasional noted that Supreme Court officials warned any judge found guilty of accepting bribes during related proceedings would face immediate termination and criminal prosecution. Meanwhile, court security protocols remain under review as pre-trial hearings tied to the underlying dispute continue through October 16, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the status of the pre-trial hearing at the Pati District Court?
The proceedings are tied to case number 5/Pid.Pra/2026/PN.Pti involving a suspect named Utomo, with court sessions scheduled to continue through October 16, 2026.
How did the Supreme Court verify the integrity of Judge Retno Lastiani?
The Supreme Court’s Supervisory Body reviewed Retno’s personnel file and found no prior complaints regarding her professional conduct, alongside noting that the Pati District Court maintains an Anti-Bribery Management System certification.
What specific security measures are authorities implementing after the incident?
The Judicial Commission is urging courts to strictly enforce Supreme Court Regulations (Perma) Number 5 and 6 of 2020 governing security systems inside courtrooms and judicial complexes.
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