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