An Indonesian surfer who faced 3.5 years of jail time for social media comments about beach access on the island of Rote, was acquitted of the charges on Tuesday. The case against Erasmus Frans, a 47-year-old homestay owner and former politician, began in September 2025 after he was arrested for a Facebook post that criticized the government and the luxury resort NIHI Rote for altering access to Bo’a Beach.
According to an article in the Indonesian news publication Obor Timur, judges determined that the charges against Frans did not meet legal thresholds to prove he had “intentionally (disseminated) false news that incites unrest within the community.” Additionally, the judges ordered the restoration of Frans’ “good name, honor, and dignity.”
“From the very beginning, we viewed this case as being forced,” Frans’ legal representative, Hari Pandi, told Obor Timur. “The facts presented during the trial never demonstrated the presence of any criminal elements as charged. Today’s verdict affirms that our client is innocent.”
“The panel of judges was extremely meticulous and objective,” he added. “Not a single element of the indictment was proven. This is not merely a victory for our client, but also a victory for the law and for justice.”
While the prosecutors may still appeal the verdict, Pandi said Frans seeks to take legal action against the parties who have damaged his reputation.
Videos of the scenes outside the courtroom on social media showed supporters of Frans holding signs and speaking into loudspeakers as the courtroom was fenced off by barbed wire. Upon release, the supporters lifted Frans on their shoulders and carried him in celebration.
Neither Frans nor NIHI Rote responded to requests for comment on the verdict.
