Minister Of Law And Human Rights Hopes Revision Of Narcotics Law To Be A Solution To Overcome Overcapacity Of Prison Occupancy

JAKARTA - The Minister of Law and Human Rights, Yasonna Hamonangan Laoly, hopes that the revision of Law Number 35 of 2009 concerning Narcotics can be a solution to various problems in prisons, one of which is excess housing capacity.

"The Narcotics Law is currently being revised and is in the process of being discussed at the Indonesian House of Representatives. It is hoped that this can help reduce the overcapacity in prisons", he said after inaugurating 39 officials from the Ministry of Law and Human Rights in Jakarta, reported by Antara, Friday, April 22.

The Minister of Law and Human Rights said that many problems occur in prisons due to the overcapacity factor of occupancy. It can not be separated from the number of convict drug cases.

Yasonna assessed that the current Law Number 35 of 2009 concerning Narcotics does not have a clear conception of narcotics addicts, narcotics abusers, and victims of narcotics abuse.

The Professor of Criminology at the Police Science College (STIK) previously stated that the handling of addicts, abusers, and victims of narcotics abuse should be focused on rehabilitation efforts through a comprehensive assessment mechanism.

"Meanwhile, drug dealers can be given severe punishments to create a deterrent effect", he said.

In addition to regulating the snares of money laundering (TPPU) for drug dealers, the revision of the Narcotics Law will clarify the difference in penalties for drug users and couriers. This is to prevent the emergence of multiple interpretations in handling cases.

The Minister of Law and Human Rights reminded appointed officials to continue to improve their performance and public services. The Ministry of Law and Human Rights is encouraged to have the initiative, be able to innovate and be a solution to various challenges faced.

"Hold on to the trust and responsibility given to you", he said.