Criminal Liability of the Perpetrator of Oil Palm Fresh Fruit Bunch Theft: A Case Study of the Sibuhuan District Court Decision Number 7/Pid.B/2026/PN Sbh

Abstract

The theft of oil palm fresh fruit bunches is one of the most common property crimes occurring in plantation areas, causing significant financial losses to plantation owners. In resolving such cases, the criminal liability of the offender and the judge's legal considerations are essential aspects in determining whether criminal sanctions have been imposed in accordance with the applicable criminal law. This study aims to analyze the criminal liability of the perpetrator of oil palm fresh fruit bunch theft and the judge's considerations in rendering the decision in the Sibuhuan District Court Decision Number 7/Pid.B/2026/PN Sbh. This research employed a normative legal research method using statutory and case approaches. The legal materials consisted of primary, secondary, and tertiary legal sources, which were analyzed qualitatively. The results of the study indicate that the defendant's criminal liability was established based on the fulfillment of all elements of the crime of theft, the defendant's capacity to be held criminally responsible, the existence of criminal intent, and the absence of any justifying or excusing circumstances. Based on the facts revealed during the trial, the defendant, together with several accomplices, unlawfully took oil palm fresh fruit bunches belonging to PT PHS Kebun Papaso without authorization. The evidence seized at the crime scene included 246 oil palm fresh fruit bunches, two iron transportation baskets, and several tools used to commit the theft. Furthermore, the judge's decision was based on the facts established during the trial, documentary and physical evidence, witness testimonies, the defendant's testimony, and the fulfillment of the legal elements of the criminal offense as charged by the Public Prosecutor. In addition to legal considerations, the judge also took into account both aggravating and mitigating circumstances before imposing the sentence. This study concludes that the defendant's criminal liability was imposed in accordance with the applicable criminal law because all elements of the offense were legally and convincingly proven. Furthermore, the judge's considerations in the Sibuhuan District Court Decision Number 7/Pid.B/2026/PN Sbh were based on the facts established during the trial, legally admissible evidence, and the applicable legal provisions, thereby reflecting the principles of legal certainty, justice, and legal utility.