DPR Passes on Indonesia-Singapore Fugitive Extradition into Law

VIVA – The Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) passed the bill on the Agreement between the governments of Indonesia and Singapore on the Extradition of Fugitives into Law on Thursday, December 15, 2022, at the DPR RI Plenary Meeting Room, Senayan, Jakarta.

The Extradition Agreement between the Governments of Indonesia and Singapore cannot be separated from Singapore's position as a country directly adjacent to Indonesia. With the high intensity of movement of citizens of both countries, as well as Indonesia's policy of including Singapore in the list of visa-free countries, Singapore is often the final destination or transit destination for criminals.

"The existence of extradition cooperation with Singapore will facilitate law enforcement officials in resolving criminal cases where the perpetrators are in Singapore," Minister of Law and Human Rights, Yasonna H. Laoly said.

In addition, Minister Yasonna also said that the Extradition Treaty between Indonesia and Singapore is supported by the close bilateral and geopolitical relations between the Government of Indonesia and Singapore, to prevent potential law enforcement problems caused by the boundaries of the jurisdiction.

"The ratification of the Extradition Law is a legal basis for the Indonesian Government to provide legal certainty for both countries regarding extradition agreements," Minister Yasonna remarked.

He added that building international cooperation in the form of extradition treaties is the Indonesian Government's effort to provide justice and protection for the Indonesian people. "As well as the realization of the active role of the Republic of Indonesia in maintaining world order.”

Minister Yasonna explained that the Extradition Treaty between Indonesia and Singapore regulates, among others, the agreement of the parties to extradite, extraditable criminal offenses, the basis for extradition, mandatory exceptions to extradition, voluntary exceptions to extradition, requests and supporting documents, and delivery arrangements.

"Therefore, the Government of the Republic of Indonesia needs to follow up on the signing of the agreement (Extradition of Indonesia and Singapore) by ratifying the Law by the provisions of Article 10 of Law Number 24 concerning International Agreements," he said.

As information, extradition is a law enforcement instrument in the transfer of any person in the jurisdiction of a country to a country authorized to prosecute, for the judicial process or the imposition or execution of punishment for a criminal offense that can be extradited.