TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo has yet to change his stance on the planned executions drug convicts despite escalating pressure from external parties.
"Up to this point, the president has yet to change his mind. In fact, no change has been stated in the most recent cabinet meeting," said cabinet secretary Andi Widjajanto at the Presidential complex in Jakarta on Wednesday.
Andi said that despite the constant inflow of advice and petition suggesting the contrary, the president has yet to decide to grant clemency to the convicts.
"He has received a lot of advice on the death penalty, as well as requests to change his stance on the matter. That said, he has also received quite an amount of support for his decision to execute the convicts," said Andi.
Andi added that the president said the country was presently facing a drug emergency, and that the latter's decision had been affirmed by a legitimate ruling in court.
"It must be stressed that the president will not grant clemency in drug-related cases," Andi said, adding that the president's decision was informed by the fact that the number of individuals falling victim to narcotics had continued to climb.
ANTARA
