Incident Overview

A shocking incident unfolded on a Singapore Airlines flight when Brilliant Angjaya, a 23-year-old Indonesian business class passenger, exposed himself to an air stewardess after downing two glasses of champagne. The event took place on January 23 during a flight from China to Singapore, but only came to light with the recent sentencing on March 24.

Details of the Offense

Angjaya not only engaged in the indecent exposure but also recorded the air stewardess’s reaction using his smartphone, escalating the offense. District Judge Paul Quan condemned Angjaya’s behavior as “inexplicable” and “inexcusable,” reflecting the court's stance on such violations, especially when they occur within the confines of an aircraft—a space meant for communal comfort and safety.

The Actions Leading to Arrest

During the journey, after enjoying an in-flight meal and a couple of drinks, Angjaya reportedly went to sleep. Upon waking up, he chose an inappropriate path of entertainment; after visiting the restroom, he decided to film himself while exposing his genitals when the victim returned to his seat to serve him his meal. The stewardess, startled and horrified at the sight, immediately reported the matter to her supervisor, having noted the phone aimed at her during the incident.

Legal Proceedings and Sentencing

Initial denials from Angjaya crumbled once his phone was examined, revealing explicit footage of the encounter. Law enforcement was notified shortly before the plane landed, leading to Angjaya's arrest.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Ng Jun Kai argued for a sentence of four to six weeks, emphasizing that Angjaya's intoxication and his actions against a public transport worker warranted a serious response. “If he had truly been remorseful, he would have been honest from the beginning,” Ng stated, as the courtroom echoed with the weight of Angjaya’s misdeeds.

Defense Arguments

Angjaya’s defense, represented by lawyer Navin Thevar, painted a picture of a young man in distress, attempting to cope with the emotional toll of leaving friends behind after a five-month study stint in China. In his apology letter, read in court, Angjaya described his actions as “stupid” and expressed regret for the distress he caused, acknowledging that such reasoning could not excuse his behavior.

Judicial Remarks and Final Sentencing

In his verdict, Judge Quan noted the heightened alarm the incident caused given the intimate setting of the business class cabin, which typically features greater interaction between passengers and flight attendants. He stated that Angjaya’s actions could not simply be dismissed as a misguided prank.

Ultimately, while the judge recognized that Angjaya showed genuine remorse, he also underscored the severity of the offense. Following the sentencing, Angjaya was allowed to contact his father back in Indonesia—a bittersweet moment reflecting the mixture of guilt and familial support as he faces the consequences of his actions.

Conclusion

As this case highlights the need for respect and decency aboard flights, it serves as a stern reminder that inappropriate behavior can lead to significant repercussions, both legally and personally.