TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Joko Widodo or Jokowi said that terror convict Abu Bakar Baasyir would be released from jail if he pledged loyalty to the state (NKRI) and Pancasila (Indonesia's ideology), instead of freed unconditionally.

“It’s not an unconditional release, but parole. Requirements must be met,” said Jokowi in Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Tuesday, January 22.

The President explained Baasyir must make a pledge to be loyal to the Unitary State of Republic of Indonesia (NKRI). Should the latter refuse, the government could not release him.

“There are conditions that should be fulfilled. I cannot clash with that. Pledge loyalty to NKRI and Pancasila is the basic requirement,” Jokowi noted.

Read: Lawyer: Terror Convict Abu Bakar Baasyir Believes He`s Innocent

News about the release plan of Abu Bakar Baasyir has become public spotlight since he refused to pledge to be loyal to NKRI as regulated on Law and Human Rights Ministerial Decree No. 3 of 2018 concerning the requirement and procedure of remission, assimilation, and parole.

Jokowi explained the government would allow Baasyir to propose parole to the President. Yet, he knew that the latter always rejected the option.

On the other hand, Jokowi acknowledged the poor health condition of the 81-year-old prisoner as one of the considerations should Baasyir asked for parole.

“[Plan to release Baasyir] is based on the humanitarian grounds, but we also have the law. There is a legal mechanism that we have to go through,” Jokowi concluded.

AHMAD FAIZ IBNU SANI