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S'porean caught for illegal stay in Batam since 2021 sings Indonesia national anthem to prove patriotism
The judge asked the prosecutor to help the defendant achieve his dream of becoming an Indonesian citizen.
October 26, 2024, 04:17 PM
A Singaporean man sang Indonesia's national anthem "Indonesia Raya" in court before he was sentenced to five months in jail for illegally entering and staying in Batam since 2021.
Nur Faisal Shah, 38, was requested by the panel of judges to do so as he said he loved Indonesia and wanted to become an Indonesian citizen.
He also recited the Pancasila — a set of the country’s five guiding principles.
Judge Douglas Napitupulu, who led the panel, then asked the prosecutor to help the defendant achieve his dream of becoming an Indonesian citizen.
Prosecutor asked for eight months in jail
The prosecutor requested Faisal to be sentenced to eight months in jail, as reported by Indonesian news outlet BatamPos.
While the judge said there was "no excuse or justification for the defendant’s actions," he also noted Faisal was well-mannered and had a baby.
The Singaporean was asked to pay a fine of 25 million rupiah (SS$2,100) on top of his five months' prison time. If not paid, it would be replaced by one additional month in jail.
Faisal accepted the sentence.
The Singaporean entered Batam illegally in July 2021 by taking a boat from the waters around Singapore’s Changi Airport and sneaking through a harbour in Batu Ampar.
He reportedly moved from place to place during his time in Batam and was found living in a rented residence with his wife after authorities got a tip-off.
Top image via BatamPos
