Expert Calls for Strict Assessment in Amnesty Plan for Inmates Joining Reserve Force

Purwokerto (ANTARA) - Legal expert from Jenderal Soedirman University, Professor Hibnu Nugroho, believes that the plan to grant amnesty to inmates under the age of 35 who will participate in the Reserve Component (Komcad) programme must be based on a strict assessment.

According to Hibnu, the granting of amnesty must be supported by clear parameters, ranging from the type of criminal offence and character to the psychological condition of the inmates, to ensure the policy does not create new problems.

“Amnesty is the removal of punishment. Therefore, it must also consider what type of crime is being granted amnesty for,” he said when contacted from Purmockerto, Banyumas Regency, Central Java, on Thursday.

He noted that the government’s objective to link amnesty with rehabilitation through the Komcad programme is commendable. However, implementation must be carried out carefully through assessments of the personality, behaviour, and psychological condition of the potential recipients.

Hibnu also urged the Minister of Immigration and Correctional Services to implement a strict selection process for inmates who are to receive amnesty while simultaneously participating in the Komcad programme.

In his view, the policy could help reduce overcrowding in correctional institutions, provided it is implemented selectively.

“The objective is good, including reducing prison overcapacity. But it must be selective, regarding the type of criminal offence, the individual’s characteristics, and their psychological condition. We must ensure this policy does not become a boomerang,” he said.