DPR Does Not Object to Amnesty Recipients Joining Reserve Component
Commission I of the House of Representatives (DPR) does not object to the requirement for inmates receiving amnesty on the upcoming 17 August Independence Day to participate in the National Reserve Component (Komcad) programme.
The Deputy Chairman of Commission I from the Golkar Party, Dave Laksono, stated that the Komcad requirement for amnesty recipients is entirely within the rights of the government or the President. According to him, the condition is imposed to ensure that inmates maintain a sense of nationalism and discipline after their release.
“There will be certain requirements for amnesty recipients, including participation in development programmes such as the Reserve Component; this is certainly part of the government’s policy,” Dave said when contacted on Thursday (2/7).
He added that he continues to support the plan, provided that the granting of amnesty complies with existing laws and regulations.
According to Dave, amnesty is fundamentally a constitutional right of the President, as explicitly regulated in Article 14, paragraph (2) of the 1945 Constitution. However, in its execution, the President must still obtain consideration from the DPR.
“This means that although it is the authority of the President as the Head of State, its implementation remains within the constitutional corridor and involves the mechanism of checks and balances through DPR consideration,” he said.
On a more technical level, amnesty refers to Emergency Law Number 11 of 1954 concerning Amnesty and Abolition. The law affirms that the President may grant amnesty based on the interests of the state.
“In constitutional practice, these state interests may encompass various considerations, including humanitarian aspects, national reconciliation, rehabilitation, or other strategic interests deemed important for the nation and state,” he added.
The Minister of Immigration and Correctional Services, Agus Andrianto, previously mentioned that President Prabowo Subianto has prepared the granting of amnesty for prison inmates (WBP) on 17 August this year.
However, before being released, amnesty recipients must undergo the National Reserve Component (Komcad) programme. According to him, amnesty is one of the government’s concrete efforts to address overcrowding in several prisons and detention centres across Indonesia.
“Hopefully, as I mentioned, the President will grant amnesty to prison inmates under the age of 35 this August. However, they will not be released immediately, but must participate in Komcad to ensure they remain disciplined,” said Agus.