Puan: Extradition Treaty Strengthens Law Enforcement Commitments

Speaker of the House of Representatives Puan Maharani/DOC VIA ANTARA

JAKARTA - DPR Speaker Puan Maharani hopes that the Indonesia-Singapore extradition agreement can improve law enforcement in Indonesia.

"The Indonesia-Singapore Extradition Agreement is the answer to the efforts made by the Indonesian government since 1998. Hopefully, this agreement can strengthen the commitment to law enforcement in Indonesia," said Puan in a written statement, as quoted by Antara, Wednesday, January 26.

She considered, through the extradition agreement, the criminal fugitives who had fled to Singapore could be immediately prosecuted. In addition, according to her, Indonesia can also search and confiscate the assets of criminals residing in Singapore in accordance with the legal systems of the two countries.

"This agreement will help law enforcers carry out their duties, especially in transnational cases. This is a good achievement, especially since the extradition treaty has a retroactive period of 18 years back," she said.

In addition, Puan asked the government to provide a more comprehensive explanation to the public regarding one of the points of agreement regarding the air control room (FIR), which is said to still allow Singapore to manage the air space in the region.

According to her, a more in-depth explanation is needed so as not to cause misunderstanding in the community.

Puan also hopes that the defense cooperation (DCA) between Indonesia and Singapore will continue to prioritize the interests of national defense. Puan emphasized that the DPR is ready to discuss the agreement between Indonesia and Singapore in accordance with the provisions of the applicable mechanism.

Previously, the Minister of Law and Human Rights (Menkum HAM) Yasonna H Laoly signed an extradition agreement between the Indonesian government and the Singapore government to prevent cross-border corruption practices.

"This agreement is useful for preventing and eradicating criminal acts that cross national borders, such as corruption, narcotics, and terrorism," said Minister of Law and Human Rights Yasonna H Laoly.

Yasonna said the Indonesia-Singapore extradition treaty had a retroactive period (retroactive from the date of promulgation) for the past 18 years.

This is in accordance with the maximum expiry date as stipulated in Article 78 of the Indonesian Criminal Code.