President Prabowo Subianto Agrees to Grant Amnesty for Humanity

Minister of Law Supratman Andi Agtas delivers a press statement after attending a limited meeting at the Presidential Palace compound, Jakarta, Friday (12/13). (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat/Cahyo)

President Prabowo Subianto Friday (12/13) has agreed to grant amnesty for specific kinds of crime in consideration of humanitarian values, prison overcrowding, and reconciliation purpose.

The decision was made during a limited meeting with a number of ministers at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta.

Minister of Law Supratman Andi Agtas explained that amnesty will be granted to prisoners convicted of cyber crimes in the form of hate speech directed at the President and to prisoners suffering from long-term illness.

Currently, he said, the Ministry of Law is assessing the policy with Ministry of Immigration and Corrections.

He went on to say that hate speech directed at the President is a crime that will be prioritized for an amnesty. In addition, the Government also pays special attention to minor rebel cases in Papua.

“As many as 18 inmates of unarmed violence acts will be prioritized as a reconciliation effort for Papuan people,” he said adding that it is also the Government’s good intention to create a more peaceful situation and social stability in Papua.

Supratman stated that the Ministry of Immigration and Corrections recorded around 44,000 inmates who may be proposed for amnesty.

“In principle, the President has agreed to grant amnesty. For the next step, we will ask for consideration from the House of Representatives,” he said. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat/DNS) (RAS/MUR)