JESSICA WONGSO AND THE SEARCH FOR HIDDEN CAUSALITY IN THE POISONED COFFEE CASE

Abstract


INTRODUCTION
In 2016, Indonesia was shocked by the murder case of Wayan Mirna Salihin at a cafe in Jakarta.Mirna died after drinking coffee, which allegedly contained cyanide.Jessica Wongso, Mirna's friend, was charged with murder and sentenced to life imprisonment.This case attracted public attention for several reasons.First, this case involves the deadly cyanide poison.Second, the relationship between Jessica and Mirna is complicated.Third, the trial process was long and controversial (Pruenela & Kalijaga, nd).Jessica Wongso's case created mixed public reactions.Many parties are involved in discussions and speculation regarding motives, reasons, and evidence that emerge during the investigation and trial process.As time went by, controversy emerged regarding the validity of the evidence and the legal process carried out.Hidden causality is a cause-andeffect relationship that may take time to be visible or problematic to prove (Fitriah, 2021).In this case, the research explores hidden factors that might trigger or provide a deeper context regarding the incident.
The incident involving Mirna and Jessica began when she organized a meeting with her college friends at Billy Blue College, Australia.The reunion is planned to be attended by four people, namely Wayan Mirna Salihin, Jessica Kumala Wongso, Hani Boon Juwita, and Vera.Unfortunately, Vera could not attend, so only three people came.The agreement to meet at Olivier Cafe, Grand Indonesia, Central Jakarta, on January 6, 2016, at 17.00 WIB, remains in effect.Jessica Wongso arrived at around 15.32 WIB early to avoid the 3-in-1 traffic rule.Jessica ordered Vietnamese iced coffee and two cocktails as the first person to arrive.When Mirna Salihin and Hani arrived, they joined Jessica at table 54 after greeting and exchanging news.After the initial conversation, Mirna and Hani sat down, and Mirna drank the Vietnamese iced coffee Jessica had ordered.A few moments later, Mirna experienced a seizure, foamed from her mouth, and lost consciousness.Mirna was immediately taken to the clinic in Grand Indonesia and referred to Abdi Waluyo Hospital because her condition required further medical treatment.However, on the way to the hospital, Mirna died.This oddity made Mirna's father, Edi Dharmawan, report this incident to the Tanah Abang Metro Police.
On January 16, 2016, the National Police's Puslabfor Team found 3.75 milligrams of cyanide in Mirna's coffee, which had been detected in her stomach.The police upgraded the status of the investigation to investigation, and on January 29, 2016, Jessica was named a suspect.The judge rejected Jessica's lawyer's attempt to file a pretrial.After five months, Jessica faced her first trial on June 15, 2016, with 32 trials and many witnesses presented by the Public Prosecutor (JPU).On October 27, 2016, the panel of judges declared Jessica guilty of premeditated murder against Mirna with the motive of feeling hurt because she was advised about romantic matters.Jessica was sentenced to 20 years in prison.Even though Jessica filed an appeal and cassation to the Supreme Court, these efforts failed, and the District Court judge's decision was upheld.After carrying out 20 trials over ten months, Jessica was finally named a suspect by the judge for putting cyanide in Vietnamese iced coffee, and she was sentenced to 20 years in prison (Hermalis, nd) In this case, Jessica Wongso, a close friend of the victim, is considered the main suspect.He was charged with infusing cyanide into the coffee the victim ordered when the three of them gathered at a cafe in Jakarta.Jessica was arrested and tried on charges of premeditated murder.Tracing the hidden causality, in this case, is the research's focus.Researchers are trying to understand the motivation and reasons behind Jessica Wongso's actions.They also studied the social interactions between Jessica and the victim and other factors that might have influenced Jessica's decision to commit this act (Hermawan & Purnomo, 2023).
Searching for hidden causality, in this case, involves psychological analysis and social, cultural, and environmental aspects that influence individual behavior (Fitrah & Luthfiyah, 2017).The researchers sought to understand Jessica Wongso's thought patterns and life context that might have contributed to her actions.
In dealing with complex criminal cases, it is essential to be able to trace causality to understand the dynamics underlying the incident.This is not only related to visible facts but also to elements that may not be immediately visible but have a significant impact on the event (Hadi et al., 2020) This case raises critical questions regarding justice, investigative integrity, and the legal process.Hopefully, this research will contribute to a deeper understanding of these aspects and provide new insights regarding how to handle controversial criminal cases.With this background, the research is directed at digging deeper into information related to the Jessica Wongso case, identifying hidden causalities, and contributing to public understanding and the legal system related to the case.(Khudzaifah Dimyati et al., nd) .
To the background explanation above, the research title is Jessica Wongso And The Search For Hidden Causality In Poisoned Coffee Cases.Through this research, a deeper understanding of the 2016 Cyanide Coffee case and the factors that influenced this incident can be found.The results of this research will provide new insight into hidden causality in similar cases.They can become a reference in handling similar cases in the future.

Theoretical basis Causality Theory
Causality theory is a concept used to explain the cause-and-effect relationship between two events or phenomena.Causality theory is used in criminal law to determine which actions cause prohibited consequences (Ahmad Sofian, 2020).In this theory, there is an assumption that every event has an identifiable cause.
One of the figures associated with the theory of causality is David Hume.David Hume was a Scottish philosopher who lived in the 18th century.He criticized the concept of causality that was generally accepted in his time.According to Hume, causal relationships cannot be known through direct observation.However, they can only be inferred based on experience.He argues that humans tend to assume cause-and-effect relationships based on similar experiences in the past.However, there is no certainty that these relationships will occur (Mavilinda et al., 2021).
David Hume (1711-1776), a Scottish philosopher, made an essential contribution to the theory of causality through his famous work, "A Treatise of Human Nature" (1739-1740).In this work, Hume puts forward very influential ideas regarding causality and expresses doubts about causality, which is considered an absolute truth.
Hume argued that human knowledge comes from experience, and everything we know can be related to sensory experience.Hume also stated that our ideas about causality originate from associating ideas in our minds.When we observe an event consistently followed by another event, we form an association between the two.
Hume identified three laws of association of ideas that form the basis of understanding causality: 1. Law of Resemblance (Resemblance): Similar objects can lead to ideas about similar objects.2. Law of Contiguity (Neighborhood): Objects that are close together in time and space can give rise to ideas about other objects that are close by.3. Law of Cause and Effect: One object can cause ideas about another object.
Hume distinguishes between secondary causes and actual causal relations.According to him, we form mental habits based on repetitive experiences, and secondary causation is simply those mental habits.Hume raises the question of counterfactuals, namely, how we can state that one event is the cause of another if we cannot imagine circumstances in which the first event does not occur.The second does not follow (Starks, 2020).
Hume rejects the idea that we can know the continuity of causal relationships by rationality or necessity.According to him, although we can observe one event being followed by another, we cannot perceive "necessity" or "necessity" between the two.Hume's skeptical approach to causality raises fundamental questions about how we can understand causal relationships in the world.Although Hume's views have generated controversy and debate, his contribution to the philosophy of causality remains influential in the development of philosophical thought and science (Rizal et al., 2023).
The theory of causality is not only limited to the concept of criminal law.The concept of causality is also used in other fields of science, such as physics, sociology, and psychology (Ahmad Sofian, 2020).In physics, for example, causality theory is used to explain causeand-effect relationships in natural phenomena.In sociology, causality theory is used to understand the factors that influence social behavior.Meanwhile, in psychology, causality theory explains the relationship between stimulus and response in the learning process.
Causality theory refers to a cause-and-effect relationship between an event or factor and other events or factors (Abdullah, 2020).In this context, causality theory tries to explain how a particular event can be a direct or indirect cause of another event.This theory is applied in science, philosophy, and other fields to understand complex cause-and-effect relationships.
In philosophy, there are two main types of causality: 1. Direct-Causality (Causa Efficiens): Indicates that one event or entity is the direct cause of another event or entity.Example: A blow to the glass that causes the glass to break.2. Causality (Causa Finalis): Shows that an event or entity has a specific purpose or purpose.
Example: Plants grow to meet photosynthesis needs.
In science, causality is often explained through experiments and scientific methods.For example, experiments can be designed to identify whether changes in one variable directly impact changes in another variable.Causality theory is a concept used to explain the cause-and-effect relationship between two events or phenomena.David Hume is one of the figures associated with this theory.However, causality theory is not only limited to criminal law but is also used in other fields of science (Tripa, 2019).
The concept of causality has several implications in research on the coffee cyanide case involving Jessica Wongso.For example, causality theory can help determine whether Jessica Wongso is conditional on her friend's death or is only a temporary cause.Causality theory can also help evaluate Jessica Wongso's continuity and familiarity in this case.

Legal Theory and Evidence
Legal theory and evidence is a set of principles and doctrines that regulate how judges must evaluate evidence and facts in a case to reach a fair verdict.This theory is the basis for the evidentiary process in criminal and civil procedural law.One of the figures is an English philosopher named John Stuart Mill, who developed the "Mill's Methods" method for determining causality.This method is used in evidentiary law to determine whether evidence has a causal relationship with the charged incident (Muksin & Rochaeti, 2020).
John Stuart Mill, an English philosopher and economist, made significant contributions to various aspects of life, including legal theory and the principles of evidence.Although his work does not explicitly focus on evidence in a legal context, his general thinking and principles can provide insight into his legal views.Mill greatly emphasized the importance of individual liberty and rights in his view of law.In his famous work, "On Liberty," he defended the individual's right to think, speak, and act according to his or her own will as long as it does not harm others.This view can form the basis for evidentiary principles that ensure individual rights are protected and not persecuted without substantial grounds (Rozarie, 2019).
Mill developed the ideas of utilitarianism with Jeremy Bentham, and both expressed the importance of justice and the protection of minority rights from the tyranny of the majority.In a legal context, this can be interpreted as the need for fairness in the judicial and evidentiary process, where majority decisions or unfair policies must not violate individual rights.Mill's utilitarian view emphasizes the concept of happiness as defined by general progress as a moral principle.In a legal context, this can mean that evidence and the judicial process must be guided by the aim of achieving the greatest happiness for society.This principle can influence evidentiary considerations and legal decisions to achieve the most beneficial results for society (Ariyanti, 2020).
Mill valued education and discussion to develop rational reasoning and moral understanding.In a legal context, this can be linked to the importance of a justice system based on sound arguments and deep understanding, where the parties involved can rationally present their cases and provide relevant evidence.In his work "On Representative Government," Mill discusses the ideal form of government and the need to protect individual rights within a legal framework.This concept can create the basis for judicial and evidentiary principles involving fair governance and the protection of individual rights (Siregar, 2016).
John Stuart Mill's theory of law and evidence has several implications in criminal case research and legal investigations, which include: 1. Understanding the induction method: The method proposed by John Stuart Mill can help evaluate clear thinking and scientific investigation in determining the truth in criminal cases.2. Use of evidence: The evidence described by John Stuart Mill can help collect and obtain adequate evidence to support the teachings against criminal involvement.3. Decision-making based on utilitarianism: In evaluating decisions in legal investigations, John Stuart Mill's understanding of utilitarianism can help consider the impact of decisions on society.John Stuart Mill's legal and evidentiary theory provides a framework for understanding and developing investigative strategies in criminal cases such as the 2016 Jessica Wongso case.

RESEARCH METHODS
The research method employed in investigating the poisoned coffee case involving Jessica Wongso utilized qualitative methods with a descriptive research approach.This approach involved data collection through interviews, observations, and document studies.The gathered data was then analyzed using data reduction techniques, data presentation, and data verification.Interviews allowed researchers to gain direct insights from witnesses or individuals involved, while observations facilitated direct observations of situations or environments related to the case.Document studies encompassed analysis of relevant documents such as police reports, court documents, and other sources related to the case.
Following data collection, the analysis phase commenced with data reduction techniques, wherein data was simplified into smaller units for easier comprehension.Subsequently, the data was structured and presented to facilitate better understanding and interpretation.The final stage was data verification, where the validity and accuracy of the data were reassessed to ensure its reliability.By employing this approach, researchers could gain a profound understanding of the dynamics of the case and identify hidden factors that may have influenced the course of events.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
The cyanide coffee case that killed Wayan Mirna Salihin in 2016 has become one of the most famous criminal cases in Indonesia.Jessica Wongso, Mirna's friend, was charged and convicted of the murder.However, this case still leaves many questions and doubts, especially regarding the motives and causality underlying Jessica's actions (Hermawan & Purnomo, 2023).
On January 6, 2016, Mirna and Jessica met at Olivier Cafe, Grand Indonesia, Jakarta.Jessica ordered Vietnamese coffee for Mirna and herself.After drinking the coffee, Mirna experienced convulsions and then died.The autopsy results showed that Mirna died due to cyanide poisoning.The police conducted an investigation and found several pieces of evidence that pointed to Jessica, such as Jessica ordering Mirna coffee and putting something in it when Mirna went to the toilet, Jessica buying cyanide a few days before the incident, and Jessica having the motive to kill Mirna out of jealousy.Based on this evidence, Jessica was charged and sentenced to 20 years in prison for premeditated murder (Rosel & Suyanto, 2017).
Even though Jessica has been convicted, many people still doubt her involvement in this case.Some of the controversies and doubts that have arisen include the following: There were no eyewitnesses who saw Jessica put cyanide in Mirna's coffee, the DNA test results on Mirna's coffee did not show Jessica's DNA, and Jessica's motive for killing Mirna was still unclear, (Pruenela & Kalijaga, nd).
The coffee cyanide case represents the complexity of causality in real life.It is not always easy to determine a clear cause-and-effect relationship, especially in criminal cases involving many factors and possibilities.In this case, several possible causalities need to be explored further: 1.Is Jessica the killer?2. If Jessica was not the murderer, who was responsible for Mirna's death? 3. What is the motive behind Mirna's murder? 4. Are there other parties involved in this case?
Searching for hidden causality in this case requires deeper investigation and more careful analysis (Farmer, 2016).This is important to ensure justice for all parties involved.
The concept of causality, or cause-and-effect relationships, can help uncover the hidden factors behind the coffee cyanide case involving Jessica Wongso in several ways : 1. Identifying Relationships Between Events Causality helps in understanding how the events in the case are related.For example, Cyanide coffee, Mirna's death, Jessica's purchase of cyanide, Mirna's death, and disharmony in the relationship between Jessica and Mirna.Motive for murder.Analyzing the causal relationships between events allows you to build a logical and coherent storyline to explain what happened (Sari, 2022).

Determining the Root of the Problem
Causality helps find the root of the problem in this case.For example: Mirna's death, Jessica's actions, and Jessica's motives.Disharmony in her relationship with Mirna.By understanding the root of the problem, we can identify the factors that prompted Jessica's actions, including the possibility that other parties were involved (Khotimah et al., 2023).

Evaluating Evidence and Testimony
Causality helps evaluate the evidence and testimony in the case more critically.For example, there are discrepancies in DNA test results, eyewitness testimony, and unclear motives for Jessica.Other scenarios are possible.By analyzing evidence and testimony based on causality, you can find inconsistencies and gaps that may indicate hidden information (Febrian-Eny et al., n.d.).

Opening New Investigative Possibilities
Causality helps open up new investigative possibilities by identifying unanswered questions.For example: How did cyanide get into Mirna coffee?Did Jessica buy cyanide?Are there any other unknown witnesses?By asking critical questions based on causality, it can encourage a deeper investigation to find the truth behind this case (Reiner, 2016).
Based on the facts revealed during the investigation and trial, the judge was convinced that Jessica Wongso was Mirna's killer in the cyanide coffee case.Jessica Wongso was named a suspect after being proven to have mixed cyanide into the coffee consumed by Mirna.In tracing causality, the factors that cause an event must be considered.In this case, the first factor was Jessica Wongso's actions in mixing cyanide into the coffee consumed by Mirna.If Jessica had not taken this action, it is possible that Mirna would not have died.
Apart from that, causality also involves other factors related to this case, such as the actions of the cyanide seller and the coffee seller.All of these factors must be considered in determining the causal actions in this case.By using the concept of causality, investigators and judges can uncover hidden facts and build strong arguments to determine criminal responsibility in this case.In the cyanide coffee case involving Jessica Wongso, causality helps link Jessica's actions to Mirna's death.It ensures that Jessica is responsible for her actions.
Although the cyanide coffee case involving Jessica Wongso has gone through trial and Jessica Wongso has been convicted, some causal aspects may still need to be fully revealed or are still controversial.Some of these aspects may include: 1. Deeper Motives Although the motive for being upset with Wayan Mirna's behavior was the main focus of the trial, there may be deeper or more complex motives that have not been fully revealed.
A deeper understanding of the dynamics of their relationship, unidentified conflicts, or more complex personal issues may influence the interpretation of the case.

The Role of Cyanide in a Wider Context
A causal aspect that has not yet been fully revealed may involve the role of cyanide in a broader context.How is cyanide obtained?Is there a third party involved?These questions can raise doubts regarding the passage of cyanide from its source into Mirna coffee.

Third-Party Involvement
Even though Jessica Wongso is considered the perpetrator, there is still speculation or suspicion that a third party may have been involved in the incident.Further investigation may be required to ensure no contribution from third parties or other undisclosed scenarios.

Psychological Factors and Mental Health
Causal aspects that have not been fully revealed may be related to psychological factors and Jessica Wongso's mental health.Are there any indications or evidence to suggest a particular mental condition that could influence his behavior?5. Public Reaction and Media Reporting How did public reaction and media coverage influence the course of the case?Is there pressure from public opinion influencing the investigation or trial?This aspect can provide additional insight into how social context influences case understanding.

Personal Interests and Other Motives
Other personal interests or motives may have yet to be fully revealed.A better understanding of Jessica Wongso and Wayan Mirna's personal lives, including their relationships with others, could provide a more complete picture.7. The role of family and social environment Jessica Wongso's family role and social environment may impact how she behaves and forms decisions.Tracing causality must reveal how family roles and the social environment influence Jessica's behavior (Pascoe & Smith, 2022).
Understanding of this incident can be affected by the non-disclosure of causal aspects that have not yet been fully revealed.Unrevealed information may raise questions and doubts in our understanding of this case.Uncertainty or lack of clarity in these causal aspects can affect our understanding of the event (Paul, 1958).Therefore, transparency and thoroughness in investigations are essential to ensure justice and accountability in handling complex criminal cases like this.
Investigators can conduct more in-depth motive analysis in similar cases by better understanding causality.This involves exploring psychological, emotional, and social factors influencing the perpetrator's actions.A better understanding of motive can help investigators determine the direction of the investigation and understand the deeper layers of interpersonal relationships.
Improved understanding of causality can drive the use of more advanced analytical tools, including forensic technologies, data modeling, and artificial intelligence.This technology can help identify complex causal patterns and better understand the relationships between various factors in a case.Investigators can use a better understanding of causality to reconstruct events more accurately.A deep understanding of how various factors are interconnected and influence each other can help investigators build a more coherent and straightforward narrative about the development of a case (Elisabeth, 2021).
A better understanding of causality allows investigators to explore hidden causalities in cases more effectively.It involves a deep understanding of cause-and-effect relationships that may take time to be apparent and require in-depth analysis of hidden factors that influence an event.Causality can help investigators understand the interpersonal relationship dynamics between the perpetrator and victim.Understanding how emotional and psychological factors play a role in a relationship can help investigators identify potential conflicts or motivations that may trigger criminal acts (Farmer, 2020).
A better understanding of causality can encourage the development of more holistic investigative approaches.This involves integrating information from various sources and disciplines to obtain a complete case picture.A holistic approach can help investigators identify factors that may be missed in traditional investigations.A better understanding of causality can be the basis for more effective counseling and education regarding law enforcement and investigations.Disseminating this understanding to investigators, prosecutors, and other authorities can increase their capacity to deal with complex criminal cases.

CONCLUSION
The 2016 cyanide coffee case involving Jessica Wongso and Wayan Mirna Salihin became a highlight in Indonesia.Even though Jessica was convicted of murder, this case still raises doubts and questions, especially regarding the motive and causality of Jessica's actions.The police investigation was based on evidence such as Jessica's coffee order and purchase of cyanide.However, discrepancies in DNA test results and unclear motives caused controversy.In tracing, causality helps identify cause-and-effect relationships, determine the root of the problem, evaluate evidence and testimony, open new investigative possibilities, and reveal hidden facts.Although Jessica was convicted, doubts emerged regarding deeper motives, the role of cyanide in the broader context, the possible involvement of third parties, Jessica's psychological factors, and the clarity of specific causalities.The importance of better understanding the causality of these incidents is to ensure justice and accountability in handling complex criminal cases.A deep understanding of cause-and-effect relationships can help investigators build a coherent narrative and ensure that all relevant factors are considered.Forensic technology and data modeling can be used to identify complex causal patterns.At the same time, a holistic approach can ensure that all aspects of the case are considered.