Local Videographer Cleared of Corruption Charges: 2026 Viral Case in North Sumatra

A local videographer from Karo Regency, Indonesia, Amsal Sitepu, has been declared not guilty in a controversial corruption case that sparked nationwide debate over the value of creative work.

Project Background: Village Profile Videos

The case began when Amsal Sitepu was commissioned to produce 20 village profile videos in Karo Regency. The project, funded by village budgets, ran from 2020 to 2022.

Amsal submitted a production proposal outlining costs, which was approved by local village authorities before filming began. The project was completed successfully, with high-quality video results and no initial disputes.

Corruption Allegations in 2026

In March 2026, years after the project ended, Amsal was suddenly accused of budget markups, allegedly causing losses to village funds. The accusations were brought forward by auditors and experts from the Karo Regency Inspectorate.

The case quickly escalated into a legal battle, with prosecutors claiming irregularities in the project’s financial structure.

Controversial Court Statement Sparks Backlash

During the trial, prosecutors made a highly controversial argument: they stated that Amsal’s creative services—including ideation, video editing, cutting, dubbing, and even microphone usage—should have been valued at zero rupiah.

This claim triggered widespread criticism, especially from creative professionals and netizens who argued that such work requires significant skill, time, and resources.

Amsal’s Defense

Amsal defended himself by clarifying his role as a service provider. He emphasized that he only responsible only for creative production and had no authority over financial management. Amsal also states that he doesn't have any ability to approve the pricing proposals at the first place. 

According to Amsal, all financial decisions were handled by the village authorities who initially approved the proposal.

Public Support and DPR Involvement

The case quickly went viral on social media, drawing attention from the public and raising concerns about how creative work is valued in legal and governmental systems.

Support for Amsal grew, eventually reaching the DPR RI (House of Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia), which voiced support for fair treatment and justice in the case.

Final Verdict and Public Reaction

On April 1, the court ruled in favor of Amsal Sitepu, declaring him not guilty of corruption charges. The case was ultimately settled amicably between both parties.

Despite the acquittal, many netizens expressed dissatisfaction with the outcome. Critics argued that Amsal deserved compensation for reputational damage. Amsal should do a countersuit for defamation and wrongful arrest.

Conclusion

The Amsal Sitepu case highlights a broader issue in Indonesia: the undervaluation of creative labor in formal systems. While the court’s decision cleared his name, the controversy continues to fuel discussions about fairness, accountability, and respect for professional work in the digital and creative economy.

Previous post about case in Indonesia

Klitih Phenomenon in Indonesia: Meaning, Causes, and Impact Explained

AI-Generated Fake Response to Citizen Complaint In Government APP

A Man Reports to Police Being Scammed Buying Weed Turned Out to Be Decorative Plant Leaves : Amusing Story From Indonesia