RI proposes int'l drive against graft

JAKARTA: Attorney General Abdul Rahman Saleh has proposed international sanctions for countries that provide sanctuary for graft suspects, terrorists and other transnational criminals.

He said on Friday he made the proposal at a recent meeting of attorneys general from Asia and Europe in Shenzen, China.

"We have all agreed that no country should benefit from criminal acts. Therefore, we must increase our cooperation to fight international crime, including terrorism and corruption," Abdul Rahman said.

Numerous Indonesian graft suspects have fled the country with their wealth to avoid justice. The government has attempted to sign extradition treaties with a number of countries, but has found it difficult to strike deals because of differences in legal systems.

"At the next meeting, which is scheduled to take place in Indonesia next year, we should discuss a mechanism for punishment," Abdul Rahman said. -- JP