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Govt to free 90 more political prisoners
After giving amnesty to five political prisoners in Papua recently, President Joko âJokowiâ Widodo plans to free 90 more political prisoners in the countryâs easternmost, resource-rich province
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fter giving amnesty to five political prisoners in Papua recently, President Joko 'Jokowi' Widodo plans to free 90 more political prisoners in the country's easternmost, resource-rich province.
Coordinating Minister for Politics, Law and Security Affairs Tedjo Edhi Purdijatno said in Jakarta on Saturday that the government was seeking political support from the House of Representatives for the plan.
'The political prisoners will be asked to seek abolition, or they will be released with the granting of amnesty. This will take more time because we have to win political support from the House,' he said.
He said the names of the 90 political prisoners to receive amnesty had been sent to the state secretary minister to be submitted to the House.
According to him, the House has the right to endorse or oppose the proposed amnesty.
Tedjo said that with the release of political prisoners, the security condition in Papua was expected to be more conducive.
'The state is changing its policy by changing from the security approach to the social welfare approach so that we will no longer stigmatize Papua as a conflict-ridden province. We want Papua to be a peaceful land,' he said as quoted by kompas.com.
Jokowi gave amnesty to five political prisoners during his visit to Papua last week. (rms)(++++)
