REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Erstanto Windiolelono, head of the district court of Tembilahan, Riau Province, has been relegated to the post of non-court judge at the high court of Ambon, Maluku, over the Lebaran allowance (THR) case.

"The decision was made yesterday (June 28) to impose a heavy punishment on him," Supreme Court spokesman Suhadi revealed here on Wednesday.

Following the distribution of an official letter requesting companies to give THR to his office, the high court of Riau had summoned Erstanto, and he had confirmed about the distribution of the letter.

Suhadi pointed out that Erstanto's action went against the order of the government and the Supreme Court in 2013 that court officials are not allowed to receive gratuities, including Lebaran gifts.

"He has not received but has even asked for one, and so, he has clearly violated disciplinary rules and the code of ethics," he stated.

In view of this, the Supreme Court has decided to relieve Erstanto of his position as head of Tembilahan District Court and to impose stringent punishment by demoting him to the post of non-court judge in the High Court of Ambon, Maluku, and he will not receive judge allowance during suspension.

A copy of a letter from the Tembilahan District Court signed by Erstanto had earlier been circulated requesting local companies and owners of companies to send gifts and THR in connection with Eid al-Fitri.

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