Ministry Of Foreign Affairs: 166 Indonesian Citizens Face The Death Penalty Abroad

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that 166 Indonesian citizens (WNI) are currently facing the threat of the death penalty abroad.

"Most of the cases are recorded in Malaysia related to narcotics trafficking, then others are spread across other countries such as in the Middle East, namely related to murder," said Director of Protection for Indonesian Citizens and BHI of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Judha Nugraha, quoted by ANTARA, Tuesday, March 5.

Based on gender, Indonesian citizens who face the death penalty consist of 133 men and 33 women.

Meanwhile, based on the case, Indonesian citizens who face the death penalty for being involved in the murder case of 58 people and drug trafficking cases 108 people.

"In various handling efforts, because this is a case that we classify as a high profile case, we want to make sure the state is present from the beginning of the case," said Judha.

He ensured that the government through Indonesian representatives abroad provided legal assistance by providing lawyers and translations for Indonesian citizens.

Indonesian citizens are sought to gain consular access so that their rights can be fulfilled during the legal process.

"The role of the government (Indonesia) here is not to provide impunity, so we will not intervene in the substance of the case in court because it is the jurisdiction and sovereignty of local law," said Judha.

In addition to legal assistance, the government is also making diplomatic efforts, especially for cases that have been decided to have permanent legal force (inracht), including through sending a letter of application for pardon from the Indonesian ambassador and from the President of the Republic of Indonesia.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is also trying to carry out a family engagement and a family reunion to bring the families of Indonesian citizens together with Indonesian citizens in prison.

"This is important to give them the opportunity to let go of each other's longing, so they feel more comfortable because they can have direct contact with their families," said Judha.