TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) agreed on transferring a terrorist convict Abu Bakar Baasyir to Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital (RSCM) for treatment. He said his approval as a sense of humanity.
"We are all, of course, agree to take care of anyone who is sick and bring them to the hospital to get treatment," said Jokowi at the State Palace, Jakarta, Thursday, March 1.
The request was conveyed by the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) Chairman Maruf Amin. Maruf also asked Jokowi to grant Baasyir a clemency.
Read: MUI Asks Jokowi to Give Clemency to Abu Bakar Baasyir
Baasyir has served nearly seven years in prison. He was first convicted in Nusakambangan Prison, Central Java. Due to his poor health condition, Baasyir was transferred to Gunung Sindur Detention Center, Bogor.
The 80-year-old man was jailed for being guilty of terrorism act and sentenced to 15 years imprisonment since 2011.
Gunung Sindur Prison Head David H. Gultom said Baasyir would indeed undergo a medical examination outside the prison after the medical team diagnosed him with CVI Bilateral (chronic venous insufficiency). The appeal was obtained after coordinating with the National Counterterrorism Agency (BNPT).
Previously, Abu Bakar Baasyir was expelled from the prison when his foot got swollen in August 2017. He underwent a medical treatment at the Harapan Kita Heart Center Hospital Jakarta on Thursday, August 10, 2017. Doctors concluded the disruption on blood vessel valve caused the swelling.
Ahmad Faiz Ibnu Sani