TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Coordinating Minister of Political, Legal, and Security Affairs, Wiranto, refutes the notion implying that the clemency granted by President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo to Antasari Azhar was politically driven. This assumption was mentioned by Indonesia’s sixth president, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.

“It’s been explained by the Secretary of State, there is no political agenda [behind the issuance of the clemency],” Wiranto said on Thursday, February 16, 2017.

Wiranto confirmed that every decision made by the government complies with legal corridors and can be accounted for constitutionally. “I’m [included] in the current government, as I have in four previous government administrations. There is no attempt [by state officials] to harm the public,” Wiranto explained.

State Secretary, Pratikno, stated that the mechanism behind the clemency was in accordance with the provisions. One of the factors that was taken into consideration was Supreme Court’s consideration.

Jokowi, according to Wiranto, doesn’t only take Supreme Court’s consideration into account. Other agencies were also involved in the decision making, such as the Attorney general’s Office, The Ministry of Political, Legal, and Security Affairs, The Ministry of Law and Human Rights. “We’ve referred to available processes,: Pratikno said.

Previously, SBY disputed the clemency that was granted to Antasari. He accuses that Antasari planned the “attack” while conspiring with a number of political actors.

“I have to say, politics is rough. It seems that authorities can do anything,” SBY stated during a press conference held at his home, on February 14, 2017.

YOHANES PASKALIS