JAKARTA, RAKYAT NEWS – Indonesia could join the ranks of countries like Mexico and Mongolia in abolishing the death penalty after President Prabowo Subianto publicly opposed capital punishment. In a recent interview, the president called the death penalty “final and irreversible,” raising concerns about wrongful convictions.

Amnesty International Indonesia has welcomed Prabowo’s remarks, urging the government to take concrete steps toward abolition. “Leadership is crucial in ending this cruel practice,” said Usman Hamid, the group’s executive director. He pointed to nations that abolished executions after their leaders took a firm stand.

The human rights organization outlined immediate measures Indonesia could adopt, including a formal moratorium on executions, commuting existing death sentences, and halting new death penalty verdicts. These steps would set the stage for legal reforms, as at least 13 Indonesian laws still permit capital punishment.

Hamid emphasized that abolition often begins with political will rather than public consensus. “Even in countries that have banned the death penalty, opinions remain divided. But strong leadership can drive change,” he said, citing global trends favoring abolition.

President Prabowo’s comments came during an interview at his residence in Bogor on 6 April. “What if there’s a 0.1% chance of error?” he asked, highlighting the risk of executing innocent people. His stance marks a potential shift in Indonesia’s approach to justice.

Amnesty International opposes the death penalty in all cases, calling it a violation of human rights. “It doesn’t deliver justice—it only creates more victims,” Hamid stressed. The group argues that Indonesia’s justice system should prioritize fairness and humanity.

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