JAKARTA – President Prabowo Subianto chaired a limited cabinet meeting with several ministers of the Red and White Cabinet at the Merdeka Palace on Friday, December 13, 2024. The meeting discussed various issues, including granting amnesty to certain prisoners on humanitarian grounds, alleviating overcrowding in prisons, and promoting reconciliation in specific regions.
Minister of Law Supratman Andi Agtas explained that the amnesty would apply to several categories of prisoners. Currently, assessments are being conducted in collaboration with the Ministry of Immigration and Corrections.
“Several cases involving defamation or violations of the Electronic Information and Transactions (ITE) Law related to the head of state are prioritized for amnesty, as instructed by the President. Additionally, cases involving individuals suffering from chronic illnesses are also being considered,” Supratman said during a press briefing at the Presidential Palace complex in Jakarta.
According to Supratman, cases of defamation against the head of state under the ITE Law are a key focus. Furthermore, the government is paying special attention to minor offenses in Papua.
“There are approximately 18 individuals, but they are non-armed offenders. This is part of the reconciliation efforts with our friends in Papua,” he stated.
Supratman revealed that preliminary data from the Ministry of Immigration and Corrections (Imipas) indicates around 44,000 inmates may qualify for the proposed amnesty. However, the exact number is still under review through classification and assessment processes.
“In principle, the President has agreed to grant the amnesty. However, we will seek consideration from the House of Representatives (DPR). How the DPR will respond remains to be seen after we officially submit the proposal for parliamentary review,” Supratman clarified.
This amnesty initiative reflects President Prabowo Subianto’s administration’s commitment to upholding humanitarian values. Additionally, the policy is expected to foster social stability across various regions, including Papua.
“This is a gesture of goodwill from the government to ensure Papua becomes more peaceful. It demonstrates the government’s commitment to this effort,” Supratman concluded.
