House passes bill on narcotics with leniency on users<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): The House of Representatives endorsed yesterday
\na bill on narcotics which introduces lenient and heavy penalties.<\/p>\n
The bill, which will replace the 1976 narcotics law if it is
\nenacted, retains a maximum sentence of death for traffickers and
\ndealers who also face a maximum fine of Rp 1 billion
\n(US$390,000).<\/p>\n
Narcotics-related, corporate crimes will attract a minimum
\nsentence of two years in jail but with heavier fine of up to Rp 7
\nbillion (US$2.73 million).<\/p>\n
The bill does not classify penalties based on the amount of
\nabused narcotic substances.<\/p>\n
Golkar legislator Robiyanto Kustono, who joined the House
\nspecial committee to examine the bill, said the absence of a
\nquantity element would enable prosecutors to make wise demands
\nfor sentences.<\/p>\n
However, penalties will be cautiously imposed on drug users or
\naddicts. Minister of Justice Oetojo Oesman told a House plenary
\nsession yesterday that the bill identifies the drug users as
\nvictims, who need therapy, rather than as criminals.<\/p>\n
"They (drug users) are mostly young people who must be saved
\nand rehabilitated for the sake of their future," Oetojo said
\nafter the session.<\/p>\n
The bill says that illegal drug users under the age of 18 will
\nbe subject to the law and face a children' court. It is important
\nfor parents and family members to call the police once they know
\ntheir children are committing drug abuses. Negligent or reluctant
\nparents will face up to six months imprisonment.<\/p>\n
"There were debates on legal consequences faced by young
\naddicts during the bill deliberation but we finally agreed to
\nshoot at those who lure them to illegally consume narcotics,"
\nRobiyanto said.<\/p>\n
Other than the state-run rehabilitation centers, the bill
\nallows the private sector to take part in efforts to heal young
\ndrug addicts. The bill also recognizes traditional and religious
\nmethods in the rehabilitation program.<\/p>\n
The bill authorizes only the police to investigate narcotic
\ncrimes. They are allowed to use unconventional measures,
\nincluding wiretapping procedures.<\/p>\n
During deliberations, the House rejected the government's
\nproposal to insert a clause on money laundering committed by the
\nproducers of illegal drugs, dealers and traffickers.<\/p>\n
Instead, the House suggested that the government draw up a
\nspecial bill on money laundering, which can affect all crimes.<\/p>\n
Oetojo said the police could use the law to examine banking
\nactivities and force banks to break the principle of secrecy
\nduring such investigations.<\/p>\n
It took the House some six months to pass the bill which saw
\nan another eight articles added to the original 94. The old law
\ncontains only 55 articles.<\/p>\n
The House passed a related bill on psychotropic drugs and
\nratified the United Nations convention on the illicit traffic of
\ndrugs and narcotic substances.<\/p>\n
With the approval of the bill on narcotics, the House
\nlegislators have seven government-sponsored bills left for
\ndeliberations before completing their term on Sept. 30. (amd)<\/p>",
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