TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Denpasar Independent Journalists Alliance (AJI) lamented the decision of President Joko Widodo or Jokowi who granted a pardon to I Nyoman Susrama, murderer of the daily Radar Bali reporter AA Gde Bagus Narendra Prabangsa.

AJI Denpasar chairman Nandhang R. Astika said the clemency showed a step back towards the enforcement of the freedom of the press. “Thus, AJI Denpasar urges the pardon for the murderer of AA Gde Bagus Narendra Prabangsa to be revoked or annulled,” he said in a written statement, Tuesday, January 22.

Nandhang explained the case in 2010 had become the pillar of the freedom of press since no violence case against journalists had been uncovered in Indonesia.

According to Nandhang, the clemency from lifetime to 20 years imprisonment that was charged for Susrama in 2010 could weaken the enforcement of the press freedom. He reasoned that Susrama could obtain remission and parole later after 20 years in jail.

“Therefore, AJI Denpasar truly laments the grant,” he remarked.

Even though President Jokowi has an authority to provide pardon based on the Law No. 22 of 2002 and its amendment of Law No. 5 of 2010, Nandhand continued, either the Law and Human Rights Ministry or President’s legal team should have provided notes or correction before granting the clemency.

AHMAD FAIZ IBNU SANI