RI may impose Islam-based penal code

PAMEKASAN: Minister of Justice and Human Rights Yusril Ihza Mahendra says a new penal code based on Islamic law or syariah may be imposed in Indonesia to replace the current Dutch-made code.

"The draft (of the new penal code) has been finalized and is awaiting approval from the House of Representatives," he told reporters after attending a seminar in Pamekasan, East Java on Sunday.

He said the idea to replace the old penal code came from former justice minister, Ismail Saleh.

"We, along with religious and intellectual figures, are completing the draft," he added.

Asked when the law would be enacted, he said it would take time as deliberations at the House could run for two years.

On the possibility of imposing the Syariah across the country, he said it would depend on the Muslims themselves. -- Antara