Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Corrections Yusril Ihza Mahendra highlighted that Indonesia has established similar agreements with multiple countries, including the Philippines and France.
"We are also in constant (diplomatic) communication to handle Indonesian citizens who have been sentenced to death abroad," he remarked while hosting Swiss Ambassador to Indonesia Olivier Zehnder in Jakarta on Wednesday (April 9).
He noted that as a result of these efforts, 71 Indonesian convicts have been acquitted of death penalties in Malaysia.
During the meeting, Mahendra also referenced Indonesia's new Criminal Code (KUHP) Law, which brings changes to rules regarding the death penalty, among other matters. Legislated in 2023, this law will be enacted in January next year.
The minister elaborated further on the KUHP, noting that it will still allow for death sentences but with a 10-year probation period, during which the president may reduce the sentence if a convict shows genuine remorse.
Mahendra and Zehnder also drew attention to Indonesia's position in international forums, mentioning its tangible commitment to improving governance and legal affairs in its pursuit of membership in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.
The Swiss ambassador voiced his support for the Indonesian government's efforts to modernize its legal system and gain global recognition.
He highlighted that the Swiss government is ready to share best practices with Indonesia, assisting the country in overhauling its legal system.
He said Switzerland is open to broadening the scope of technical and institutional cooperation with Indonesia, which is built on respect for human rights.
At the end of the meeting, the two governments expressed their shared commitment to sustaining their strategic partnership.
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Translator: Agatha O, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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