Jakarta (ANTARA) - President Prabowo Subianto's decision to grant amnesty to thousands of prisoners stems from the government's genuine care for humanitarian values as well as efforts to achieve reconciliation, according to Human Rights Minister Natalius Pigai.
"The president deeply cares about these two aspects. This decision is a humane political maneuver that aligns with human rights and point number 1 of his Asta Cita (eight main missions)," he noted in his office's statement received here on Sunday.
Pigai then highlighted that the amnesty will be tendered to prisoners involved in various cases, including those related to political hate speeches in the digital space, which violate the Electronic Information and Transactions Law (ITE).
He said that the president had decided to pardon prisoners serving their sentence for insulting the head of state for the sake of freedom of speech.
The minister further remarked that the amnesty would also be granted to prisoners linked to rebel acts in Papua, imprisoned drug abusers deserving rehabilitation, child prisoners, elderly convicts, and inmates suffering from mental disorders or long-term illnesses.
"This decision truly considers humanity and reconciliation aspects. Giving amnesty to ITE Law offenders and prisoners suffering from long-term diseases reflects human rights. This signifies that Mr. President takes human rights into consideration before making decisions," he pointed out.
Pigai, who is also a human rights activist from Papua, affirmed that the newly established Ministry of Human Rights would pay close attention to the prisoners that meet the criteria for the amnesty.
"We will assist them, including through the Human Rights Awareness program," he stated.
Earlier on Friday (December 13), President Prabowo convened with several ministers of the Red and White Cabinet at the Presidential Palace to discuss a range of issues, including the plan to grant amnesty to prisoners with certain criteria.
Speaking after the meeting, Law Minister Supratman Andi Agtas noted data from the Ministry of Immigration and Corrections has shown that the amnesty could be granted to about 44 thousand prisoners.
The amnesty proposal will be submitted to the House of Representatives (DPR) for consideration, he added.
