President Will Amnesty Of Prisoners For Narcotics Users To Papuan Cases

Minister of Law Supratman Andi Agtas (central) when giving a press statement at the Presidential Palace, Jakarta, Friday (13/12/2024). ANTARA/Fathur Rochman

JAKARTA - Minister of Law Supratman Andi Agtas said President Prabowo Subianto would grant amnesty to a number of inmates, from narcotics users to Papua-related cases.

"The president will grant amnesty to several inmates who are currently conducting joint assessments with the Ministry of Immigration (Immigration and Corrections)," Supratman said as quoted by ANTARA, Friday, December 13.

Supratman explained that the granting of the amnesty was carried out in addition to reducing excess capacity in correctional institutions, as well as on humanitarian considerations.

The granting of amnesty will include a number of inmates, namely inmates who suffer from prolonged illnesses such as HIV/AIDS and those with mental disorders.

Some inmates who are entangled in the Electronic Information and Transactions Law (ITE), which are related to insulting the Head of State, will also be granted amnesty.

In addition, prisoners related to the Papuan case who are not involved in the armed action will also be granted amnesty. Supratman said this was done as part of a reconciliation effort in Papua. A total of 18 prisoners related to the Papuan case will receive amnesty.

"The case is that on average, fellow activists, expressions, are related to what matter, and this is part of our efforts to make reconciliation efforts for friends in Papua. This is an effort of good faith for the government to consider how then Papua can become calmer and so on," he said.

Convicts involved in the use of narcotics were also granted amnesty by the President.

"What should have been rehabilitated due to the use of narcotics, it also asked to be granted amnesty. However, we will convey the exact number later after we conduct a joint assessment with Minister Imipas," said Supratman.

According to data from the Ministry of Imipas, there are around 44,000 prisoners who meet the criteria to be proposed to obtain amnesty.

Supratman said that in principle President Prabowo agreed to grant the amnesty. Furthermore, the proposal for granting amnesty will be submitted to the DPR for consideration.

"Furthermore, we will ask the DPR for consideration. What will the DPR look like? We will wait after we officially submit it to the parliament for consideration," said Supratman.