Amnesty to Be Granted by Indonesian President for Certain Prisoners

Jakarta, Dec 14 (NationPress) The Indonesian Minister of Law, Supratman Andi Agtas, has revealed that President Prabowo Subianto is set to offer amnesty to specific groups of prisoners, which includes drug users and those suffering from chronic illnesses.

As stated by Supratman, this initiative aims to alleviate overcrowding in correctional facilities while also addressing humanitarian concerns, according to the Xinhua news agency. Individuals afflicted with severe health issues such as HIV/AIDS and those dealing with mental disorders are among the candidates for this amnesty.

Furthermore, individuals who have been convicted under the Electronic Information and Transactions Law for disparaging the head of state will also be eligible for consideration.

Supratman mentioned that the proposed amnesty has received initial approval from Prabowo and will soon be presented to the House of Representatives for further discussion. "We are awaiting parliament's official response after our submission," he added.

Prabowo Subianto, a former army general, was inaugurated as the eighth President of Indonesia in October, taking over from Joko Widodo. He has held the position of defense minister in the past.

During his inauguration address, Prabowo committed to serving all Indonesian citizens, stating, "We will place the interests of the nation and state above all else."

However, it is reported that Indonesia may expedite the implementation of the death penalty for individuals convicted of drug-related offenses in an effort to enhance deterrence. This decision follows revelations made earlier in December. A significant number of drug abuse victims are young individuals aged between 15 and 24.

Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Budi Gunawan indicated that Indonesia is currently facing a drug emergency, with approximately 3.3 million people reported to be consuming narcotics this year.

"We are contemplating hastening the execution of the death penalty for drug convicts whose sentences are final and binding," he informed reporters at the national police headquarters, as reported by Xinhua.