Denpasar, Eyewiness | Sary Latief, the victim’s family’s attorney from DnT Lawyers, stated that this case is not solely about the length of the sentence imposed.
“This is a case of human life, a crime committed in an organized manner using illegal firearms. The impact will be lifelong for the victim’s family. Therefore, we hope the Panel of Judges will issue the fairest possible verdict, reflecting the gravity of the crime, and upholding the values ??of justice and the dignity of the law,” he said in Denpasar on Thursday (February 5, 2026).
The legal team believes this case has broad implications, not only for the victim’s family, but also for the public’s sense of security.
“This concerns witness protection and the credibility of the Indonesian justice system in handling serious transnational crimes,” he added.
The shooting death of an Australian citizen identified as ZR at a villa in Munggu Village, Badung Regency, Bali, has now entered the final phase at the Denpasar District Court. This case is not simply a criminal matter, but concerns substantive justice, victim protection, and the state’s message against organized violent crime involving the use of illegal firearms.
The victim’s wife stated that the incident was a deliberate, premeditated, and collaborative act of murder, using illegal firearms. This crime has claimed the life of a husband and father and left a lasting wound for the family. The victim leaves behind a wife and six children, including very young children. This loss is not merely the loss of a family figure, but also permanently shattering the family’s sense of security, emotional stability, and future.
Ironically, although the Public Prosecutor has firmly stated that all elements of Article 340 of the Criminal Code concerning Premeditated Murder, including the element of accomplice, and the illegal possession of firearms have been proven legally and convincingly, legally allowing for the maximum sentence, the Public Prosecutor has instead proposed sentences of 17 and 18 years in prison, respectively, which are deemed not to reflect the gravity of the crime, the humanitarian impact, or the need for a deterrent effect.
In her statement, the victim’s wife also explained that her absence from the courtroom was not to avoid legal proceedings, but rather due to security concerns regarding her and her family. Australian authorities are currently investigating the threats and burglary allegedly related to this case. Nevertheless, the victim’s family remains cooperative and respectful of the Indonesian judicial process.
