Agus Muhammad Saleman, a former police officer and defendant in the murder of Universitas Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM) student Faradila Amalia Najwa, was sentenced to death by the Malang District Court on Wednesday, September 23, 2026. According to the court, a second defendant named Suyitno, who aided in the crime, received a 20-year prison sentence for his role in the premeditated killing of the 23-year-old victim.
Court Details and Closed Proceedings
According to reports from the Malang District Court, the verdict hearing was held behind closed doors because family members and mass organizations filled the courthouse, forcing attendees to monitor proceedings through a video screen outside the courtroom. Presiding Judge Achmad Soberi stated that both defendants violated Article 459 in conjunction with Article 20, letter c, of Law Number 1 of 2023 concerning the Criminal Code (KUHP) and Law Number 20 of 2025 concerning the Criminal Procedure Code (KUHAP).
According to jatim.idntimes.com, the courtroom proceedings on Wednesday drew hundreds of attendees, including the victim’s parents and university peers. Security personnel were deployed to maintain order, restricting direct courtroom access to core family members and legal counsel while others watched via monitors.
Judicial Rationale and Verdict Differences
The panel of judges identified Agus Muhammad Saleman as the intellectual author—or “intellectual dader”—who initiated the plan to take the victim’s life. According to the court, Agus was the primary instigator behind the brutal killing of Faradila Amalia Najwa, who was the younger sister of his wife. Additional reporting from jatim.idntimes.com notes that the death sentence exceeded the life imprisonment demanded by prosecutors, as judges emphasized that his status as an active member of the Probolinggo Police at the time warranted a heavier penalty for the premeditated crime.
By contrast, Suyitno received a 20-year sentence for assisting in the offense. Following the ruling, Suyitno reportedly fainted in the courtroom, while Agus remained composed in the defendant’s chair, with some attendees performing prostrations of gratitude inside the chamber.
Did You Know? The victim, Faradila Amalia Najwa, was originally discovered deceased on Tuesday morning, December 16, in a river along the Purwosari-Pasuruan highway located in Dusun Kauman, Wonorejo Village, Wonorejo Subdistrict, Pasuruan Regency.
Legal Responses and Next Steps
Following the delivery of the verdict, Batu District Attorney’s Office Head of General Crimes (Kasi Pidum) Budi Murwanto stated that prosecutors are considering their options regarding the decision. According to Budi Murwanto, the prosecution team has opted to “think about it” before making a final decision, exercising their legal right to review the judgment rather than immediately accepting or contesting it.
Legal representatives for both defendants similarly possess the right to evaluate the outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
What sentence did Agus Muhammad Saleman receive?
Agus Muhammad Saleman was sentenced to death by the Malang District Court.
What role did Suyitno play, and what was his sentence?
Suyitno assisted in the crime and was sentenced to 20 years in prison.
What laws did the court find the defendants violated?
According to the court’s ruling, both defendants violated Article 459 in conjunction with Article 20, letter c, of Law Number 1 of 2023 regarding the Criminal Code and Law Number 20 of 2025 regarding the Criminal Procedure Code.
How will the prosecution respond to the ruling?
According to Batu District Attorney’s Office Kasi Pidum Budi Murwanto, prosecutors have chosen to take time to consider their response to the verdict.
How did the public react to the court’s decision?
The hearing drew large crowds of family members and supporters who monitored proceedings from outside the courtroom, and some individuals performed prostrations of gratitude inside the chamber after the sentences were announced.
Will the defense team appeal the decision in the near future?
How do legal experts view the verdict’s severity?
What specific legal arguments were raised during the trial?
Court documents indicate that judges categorized the premeditated acts as severe violations of law and human rights due to the family relationship between the perpetrator and the victim.
How will the appeals process affect the final outcome?
What safety or security measures were implemented at the courthouse?
Authorities deployed security personnel to manage the large crowd of relatives and university peers gathered outside the courtroom during the proceedings.
? How will appellate courts evaluate the differing sentences given to Agus and Suyitno?
Keep reading