Regarding The Parole Of Bali Bombing Convict Umar Patek, Minister Of Law And Human Rights: BNPT Recommendation And Loyalty To The Unitary State Of The Republic Of Indonesia

Minister of Law and Human Rights Yasonna Laoly/DOK ANTARA

JAKARTA - Minister of Law and Human Rights (Menkum HAM) Yasonna Laoly said the parole granted to terrorist prisoner Umar Patek had been recommended by the National Counterterrorism Agency (BNPT). The convict of the Bali Bombing I was declared to have met the requirements.

"According to the provisions, he already has a recommendation from the BNPT, has good behavior, is loyal to the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia," Yasonna told reporters in Jakarta, Tuesday, August 23.

Yasonna understands that there are a number of parties, including neighboring countries such as Australia who object to the granting of the remission. However, the Indonesian government has its own policies, including considering Umar's attitude.

"That they (the Australian government, ed) have some input, let it be. But we will consider it ourselves from our own state institutions," he said.

According to him, the release of Umar Patek is still waiting for a letter from an institution whose name is not mentioned by Yasonna. According to him, this letter will also contain recommendations regarding the fate of Umar Patek.

Previously, Umar Patek said he would soon breathe free air. However, the exact time cannot be known because they are still waiting for a decision letter related to parole.

"Until the issuance of the decision on parole, it will only be known whether the parole will be approved or not or when the parole will begin for Umar Patek," said Rika Aprianti, the Public Relations Coordinator of the Directorate General of Corrections at the Ministry of Law and Human Rights (Kemenkumham), when contacted by VOI, Tuesday, August 23.

Umar Patek, continued Rika, does have the right to apply for parole like other inmates. Moreover, the administrative and substantive requirements have been fulfilled.

"The conditions are good behavior, follow the coaching program properly, do not commit violations, and for terrorism cases, the NKRI pledge has been made," he said.

"For these conditions, Umar Patek has fulfilled them, so according to the applicable laws and regulations, he meets the requirements (applying for parole, ed)," added Rika.

Umar Patek is a former member of Jamaah Islamiyah who was involved in acts of terrorism. He was hunted by Indonesia, the United States, and Australia.

In fact, the Rewards For Justice Program once offered a reward of 1 million US dollars for anyone who could provide information to make an arrest.

In 2011, Umar was arrested by Pakistani security forces in Abbotabad. Furthermore, he claimed to have played a role in the 2002 Bali Bombings and Christmas Eve 2000.

In 2012, he was sentenced to 20 years in prison for his actions. He was found guilty on six counts, including assaulting a church during Christmas Eve Mass in 2000.