Similar to Australia, Indonesia Fights for WNI Clemency Abroad

Liputan6.com, Jakarta The Indonesian government has to face many criticisms coming from abroad as the recent execution of 6 inmates for drugs offences became largely talked about worldwide. Although President Joko ‘Jokowi’ Widodo determinedly apply death penalty for cases as such, he will also continue to fight for Indonesian citizens/workers outside of the country who have to undego similar sanctions abroad.

 According to the data from Migran Care, as many as 360 Indonesian labors are subjects to death penalty abroad. The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Relations will do whatever it takes to help and save them.

"It is the duty of all nations. This is what Netherlands, Brazil and Australia have done to help their citizens. Indonesia has to face bigger problems and request for a lot of clemencies from a number of countries as there are many Indonesian working abroad and involved in many cases that need to be addressed," said the Ministry of Foreign Relations spokesperson Armanatha Nasir at his office, Jakarta, Tuesday (20/01/2015).

Armanatha said, Indonesia would exert all its power in accordance to the procedures of the involving country to help Indonesian workers get clemency. He also asks for countries who have evidently protested against the death penalty in Indonesia to reconsider their discontentment and respect the nation’s decision as it is based on law.

"A nation will do anything to help its citizens living abroad, it should also comply with the existing rules. That is why I suggest to respect Indonesian law, we will also respect the law," he continued.

The Executive Director of Migrant Care Anis Hidayat said 360 Indonesian labours are subjects to death penalty abroad. They have committed crimes ranging from offences such as murder to narcotics. (Akp/Ein)