"The President will grant amnesty to several prisoners who we are currently assessing with the Ministry of Immigration and Corrections," he said at a press conference at the Presidential Palace on Friday.
The grant of amnesty is meant to reduce overcapacity at correctional institutions and is based on humanitarian considerations, he added.
According to Agtas, amnesty will be given to prisoners who suffer from long-term illnesses, such as HIV/AIDS, and those with mental disorders.
Several people imprisoned in cases connected to the Electronic Information and Transactions Law (ITE), including those convicted of insulting the head of state, will also be given amnesty, he added.
In addition, prisoners linked to cases in Papua, who were not involved in armed action, will also receive the amnesty.
The minister said that the idea is a part of reconciliation efforts in Papua. A total of 18 prisoners involved in Papua-related cases will get amnesty.
"The cases are mostly activist and (form of) expression. This is part of our efforts to make reconciliation efforts with friends in Papua. This demonstrates a good faith to make Papua more peaceful," he added.
Furthermore, prisoners involved in narcotics cases will also be given amnesty by the President.
"Prisoners in drug cases who should receive rehabilitation will also be given amnesty. However, the exact number will be conveyed after we conduct a further assessment," he said.
Agtas added that based on data from the Ministry of Immigration and Corrections, there are around 44 thousand prisoners who meet the criteria for amnesty.
He informed that President Prabowo has approved the amnesty. Furthermore, the amnesty proposal will be submitted to the House of Representatives (DPR) for consideration.
"We will ask the DPR to consider this proposal. We will wait after we officially submit it to the House for their consideration," the minister added.
Related news: Papua Police seize 394 packages of marijuana
Related news: PNG police seeks collaboration with Papua to fight drug trafficking
Translator: Fathur Rochman, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
Copyright © ANTARA 2024
