Indonesia facing a drugs emergency that requires stern action

Indonesia is now facing a drugs and precursor abuse emergency that requires extraordinary measures. Thus, the Indonesian government in exercising its constitutional duty, deems it necessary to impose stern actions within the framework of existing Indonesian laws against drugs related offences which are regarded as one of the most serious crimes.
As a matter of fact, drug related offences pose a very serious threat to the nation as abuse is on the rise. There were 4.5 million cases in 2013 and this number is predicted to rise to 5 million by this year. Currently there are around 4 million narcotics addicts. In addition, the amount of drugs being abused is around 2 tonnes of heroin, 49.5 tonnes crystal meth, 147 million ecstasy pills and 242 tonnes of marijuana. More sadly, an average of 1,500 Indonesian dies every month due to drug-related abuse.
The death penalty has been imposed on anybody, regardless of nationality based on strong legal evidence and through a judicial process. The execution is carried out as a last resort and only after all legal avenues have been exhausted, including requests for a presidential pardon.  According the Law No 35/2009 on Narcotics, the death penalty is imposed in accordance with the level of the offence, such as for distributors, producers, and drug lords.
Penny D Herasati
Counsellor for Political, Security and Legal Affairs, Indonesia