Month: March 2018

Rilis Pers – Presiden Jokowi, Tarik RKUHP!

LBH Masyarakat mengecam percepatan pengesahan Rancangan Kitab Undang-Undang Hukum Pidana (RKUHP) oleh DPR dan Pemerintah. Hingga saat ini, RKUHP menyisakan persoalan mendasar yakni minimnya pelibatan para pihak yang terkena dampak atas adanya rumusan pasal dalam RKUHP. Hal ini juga diperparah oleh tidak adanya basis data dalam penyusunan rumusan pasal dan penentuan jenis hukuman serta besar dan ringannya hukuman terhadap suatu perbuatan yang dikategorikan tindak pidana. Masalah-masalah ini tercermin pada:

1. Masih hidupnya rumusan pasal-pasal yang sudah dibatalkan oleh Mahkamah Konstitusi yaitu pasal tentang penghinaan Presiden dan Wakil Presiden. Dihidupkannya kembali rumusan pasal ini bukan saja tidak mematuhi putusan Mahkamah Konstitusi, tapi dapat dikategorikan sebagai bentuk pembangkangan terhadap Konstitusi;
2. Adanya dualisme hukum yang berlaku tentang narkotika jika RKUHP diberlakukan yaitu Undang-Undang Nomor 35 Tahun 2009 tentang Narkotika (UU 35/2009) dan rumusan pidana narkotika dalam RKUHP itu sendiri. Dualisme regulasi ini dapat melahirkan ketidakpastian hukum dalam mengatur persoalan pengguna narkotika. Padahal dalam UU 35/2009, pendekatan kesehatan bagi pengguna narkotika dijamin. Hal ini disebutkan dalam tujuan dibentuknya UU 35/2009. Kendati UU 35/2009 masih keras dan dominan dalam memilih penjara sebagai jenis hukuman bagi pengguna narkotika tapi masih terdapat jaminan pengguna narkotika mendapatkan pemenuhan hak atas kesehatan melalui rehabilitasi. RKUHP akan membutuhkan banyak waktu dan anggaran untuk menjamin pemenuhan hak atas kesehatan bagi pengguna narkotika karena perlunya dibentuk aturan turunan. Akibatnya, RKUHP malah semakin melanggengkan penjara sebagai hukuman yang harus diterima oleh pengguna narkotika. Tidak diperhatikannya soal ini menimbulkan persoalan yaitu penghuni penjara yang makin didominasi oleh pengguna narkotika. Masuknya narkotika ke RKUHP ini menunjukan tidak terencananya legislasi, baik di Pemerintah dan DPR, karena di saat yang sama ada juga rencana melakukan revisi UU 35/2009;
3. Kriminalisasi terhadap pengguna narkotika berdampak juga terhadap laju epidemi HIV yang semakin tidak terkendali. Jauh sebelum adanya RKUHP ini, telah muncul hambatan dalam menekan penanggulangan HIV di kalangan pengguna narkotika. Kriminalisasi pengguna narkotika membuat pengguna narkotika enggan untuk mengakses layanan kesehatan, layanan jarum suntik steril misalnya, karena khawatir dirinya ditangkap karena sekedar membawa jarum suntik. Meski saat ini tren penggunaan narkotika beralih dari heroin ke sabu (metamfetamina), masih ditemukan kasus di mana sabu disuntikan serta meningkatnya hubungan seks berisiko yang memiliki keterkaitan dengan penggunaan sabu;
4. Pasal lain dari RKUHP yang bermasalah yaitu pelarangan demontrasi alat kontrasepsi. Pelarangan ini merupakan bentuk kemunduran karena secara historis pelarangan demontrasi alat konstrasepsi sudah dicabut. Selain itu, pelarangan ini seakan menempatkan penekanan epidemi HIV yang menjadi tujuan Kementerian Kesehatan tidak diperhatikan. Di luar negeri, Indonesia aktif mempromosikan Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) yang di dalamnya termaktub program penanggulangan HIV. Maka mengkriminalisasi demonstrasi kondom jelas tidak selaras dengan program Kementerian Kesehatan dan juga Badan Perencanaan Pembangunan Nasional (Bappenas);
5. Terkait pasal-pasal kesusilaan, Mahkamah Konstitusi juga telah menolak perluasan delik zina dan hubungan seksual konsensual di luar pernikahan. Artinya, tidak ada legitimasi hukum untuk memasukan kembali delik-delik tersebut ke dalam RKUHP. Dirumuskannya delik-delik ini dapat mengkriminalisasi banyak pihak, termasuk orang-orang yang berada di dalam perkawinan yang tidak dicatat karena dianggap zina. Padahal persoalan administrasi perkawinan masih banyak ditemukan, terutama terjadi di masyarakat adat. Melarangan hubungan seksual konsensual di luar pernikahan juga merupakan bentuk overkriminalisasi. Hal ini amat mengkhawatirkan karena infrastruktur peradilan nampak tidak siap untuk menghentikan masifnya persekusi, stigma dan diskriminasi. Potensi buruk ini harusnya bisa diantisipasi oleh pembuat undang-undang dalam hal ini DPR dan Pemerintah agar tidak terjadi main hakim sendiri di tengah masyarakat.

Mengingat hal-hal di atas, LBH Masyarakat meminta pada Presiden Joko Widodo selaku kepala negara dan kepala pemerintahan untuk menarik RKUHP dari Parlemen untuk dibahas lebih mendalam lagi. Hukum pidana adalah sistem yang dibangung untuk melindungi publik. Rancangan yang beredar saat ini justru sebaliknya, ia mengancam demokrasi, privasi, juga kesehatan publik. Presiden Joko Widodo punya wewenang yang cukup untuk melakukan ini. Presiden sudah sepatutnya jadi pahlawan bagi rakyat dan kali ini Presiden Joko Widodo punya panggung yang tepat untuk itu: #TarikRKUHPNgawur.

Jakarta, 28 Maret 2018

Afif Abdul Qoyim (Koordinator Advokasi Kasus LBH Masyarakat)

Rilis ini telah kami sampaikan dalam acara “Konferensi Pers: Semrawut RKUHP” yang dilaksanakan di Gedung YLBHI, Jakarta Pusat, pada Rabu, 28 Maret 2018. Lembaga-lembaga yang menjadi pembicara pada acara tersebut adalah LBH Masyarakat, PKBI, JATAM, ICW, dan PKNI.

Press Release – President Jokowi, Pull Back The Criminal Code Revision!

LBH Masyarakat criticizes the acceleration of the ratification the draft revised Criminal Code (RKUHP) by the Government and Parliament. Fundamental issues with the RKUHP, such as the minimal involvement of parties who will be affected by proposed articles within it, have thus far been glossed over. These issues are exacerbated by; a) the lack of statistical basis in the organisation of these articles and determination of type of law and; b) the weight of punishment for an act categorised as a criminal offence. These problems are reflected in:

1. The survival of proposed articles which have already been annulled by the Constitutional Court, such as the article concerning insults towards the President and Vice President. The resurrection of this article not only fails to heed the Constitutional Court’s verdict, but can also be categorised as a form of insubordination towards the nation’s Constitution.
2. The existence of a legal dualism applying to narcotics if the RKUHP is brought into effect, namely between Act No.35/2009 concerning Narcotics and proposed narcotics articles in the RKUHP. This dualism may create legal uncertainty in regulating the problem of narcotics use, despite the guarantee of healthcare-based approaches for people who use drugs outlined in the objectives of Act No.35/2009. Although the existing legislation is harsh and predominantly opts for prison sentences as punishment for people who use drugs, there remains a guarantee these people’s right to health will be fulfilled through rehabilitation. Under the RKUHP, a significant amount of time and money will be required to guarantee the fulfilment of this right due to the need to formulate derivative regulations. As a result, the revised Code will instead further perpetuate prison sentences as the primary form of punishment for people who use drugs. A failure to give proper consideration to this issue will give rise to problems such as increasing numbers of people who use drugs in the prison population. The inclusion of narcotics-related articles in the RKUHP highlights the lack of legislative planning from both the Government and Parliament, given there are currently also plans to revise the Narcotics Act.
3. The criminalisation of people who use drugs also contributes to the increasingly uncontrolled rate of HIV infection in Indonesia, adding to obstacles to reducing HIV among people who use drugs which long pre-date the existence of the RKUHP. The criminalisation of people who use drugs renders them reluctant to access health services, such as the provision of sterile syringes, as these people are afraid of being arrested for merely carrying such items. Although at present drug use trends are shifting from heroin towards methamphetamine, there remain cases in which methamphetamines are injected intravenously. Additionally, there are increases in unsafe sexual relations associated with methamphetamine use;
4. There are several other problematic articles in the RKUHP. One is the prohibition of contraception demonstrations, which represents a form of regression given similar bans regarding contraception have already been repealed in the past. It seems such a ban will also remove the focus from the Health Ministry’s aim of reducing the rate of HIV. Overseas, Indonesia is active in promoting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), within which are detailed HIV countermeasure programs. Therefore criminalising condom demonstrations is clearly at odds with Ministry of Health and National Development Planning Agency programs;
5. In regards to morality articles in the RKUHP, the Constitutional Court has also already rejected the expansion of zina (adultery) offences to include consensual sexual relationships out of wedlock. This means there is no legal legitimacy to include these offences in the RKUHP. These articles could result in criminalisation for numerous groups, including people in unregistered marriages, despite the fact marriage administration problems are still widespread, particularly in traditional society. Prohibiting consensual sexual relationships out of wedlock is also a case of overcriminalisation. These changes are very concerning, as it does not appear the justice system’s infrastructure is ready to stop the rampant persecution, discrimination and stigma which may follow them. The creators of these laws will need to anticipate these potentially terrible effects to avoid ordinary citizens playing judge and jury in society.

In light of the matters above, LBH Masyarakat asks President Joko Widodo as head of state and head of governance to withdraw the RKUHP from Parliament for more thorough discussion. Criminal law is a system developed to protect the public. Instead, the changes being circulated at present threaten democracy, privacy and public health. President Joko Widodo has the authority required to take this action. It is fitting the President should be a hero of the people and this time President Joko Widodo has the perfect stage to become one: #TarikRKUHPNgawur.

Jakarta, 28 Maret 2018

Afif Abdul Qoyim (LBH Masyarakat Case Advocacy Coordinator)

This press release was presented at an event titled “Press Conference: The Chaos of the RKUHP” conducted at the YLBHI, Central Jakarta, on Wednesday March 28, 2018. Representatives from LBH MAsyarakat, PKBI, JATAM, ICW and PKNI spoke at this event. This press release was translated by Iven Manning.

Annual Report 2017

Despite Community Legal Aid Institute turning 10 on December 8 last year, our journey has not felt so long. Over time Community Legal Aid Institute has become active in many legal and human rights issues, becoming a pioneer in human rights movements related to drugs and HIV, issues which sat at the fringe between human rights and legal organisations 10 years ago.

Being 10 years old, of course Community Legal Aid Institute still faces plenty of challenges and plenty of homework. Injustice continues to dominate the legal landscape in Indonesia. But we strongly believe in the need to keep working together to foster human values and realise true justice.

Working in 2017, there were great achievements and also huge challenges. Stories of those could be read in our Annual Report 2017 – which could be accessed through this link.

Happy reading!

Press Release – Stop Extra-judicial Killings in Narcotics Cases Now!

LBH Masyarakat is strongly urging the Indonesia Government to immediately cease extra-judicial killings in the handling of narcotics cases. Monitoring of online media carried out by LBH Masyarakat has shown there were at least 215 shootings in the enforcement of narcotics law in 2017. Of these 215 cases, 116 people were wounded and 99 were killed.

The seriousness of this matter cannot be overstated, remembering that at present extra-judicial killings are in the spotlight globally. Since the beginning of Philipines President Rodrigo Duterte’s enforcement of his tok hang operation, which has already taken tens of thousands lives, warning signs have appeared which indicate such a phenomenon is prone to copycatting. Although not yet as severely as in the Philipines, it appears Indonesia has been imitating its neighbour’s approach.

The nation’s leaders: President Joko Widodo, National Chief of Police Tito Karnavian, and former Head of the National Anti-Narcotics Agency, Budi Waseso, have all made comments which seem to support this approach. Although they are only at the level of commentary, such statements could be interpreted by law enforcement as an order; or at least a “green light”; to adopt a tougher approach or veer from procedure when carrying out field operations. On a national scale, not a month goes by without a killing connected to the enforcement of narcotics law. In 2017, the lowest number of these killings occurred in November (4), while August saw the most with a total of 13.

Special monitoring is needed of Regional Police and the Provincial National Anti-Narcotics Agency in areas with inordinately large numbers of recorded killings involving narcotics law enforcement. These regions include: North Sumatra (30 killings), Greater Jakarta (22), Lampung (11), East Java (8) and West Kalimantan (7).

There are several reasons why the practice of extra-judicial killings must be stopped:

1. Extrajudicial killings do not assist in reducing drug supply in Indonesia. Instead they cause breaks in important chains of information concerning bigger mafia trafficking operations.
2. Extrajudicial killings are a key cause of governmental instability, as is the case for Rodrigo Duterte in the Phillipines at present. President Joko Widodo does not need more international criticism regarding drugs and human rights problems. Rather than further encumbering their colleagues at the Foreign Ministry with the task of legitimising the government’s actions in the eyes of international observers, it would be better if this practice were stopped.
3. This policy is not effective. This can be seen clearly in the National Anti-Narcotics Agency’s reports from year to year, which show that the rate of drug crime continues to rise. This indicates there are other, more fundamental problems which have not been targeted or resolved by the government.
4. This policy can result in the wrong people being shot. Although it seems the policy of on-the-spot shootings is directed at drug dealers, it must be remembered that people who use drugs are still criminalised in Indonesia. At a moment when the number of people who use drugs in Indonesia may be touching 10 million and it is likely these individuals meet with drug dealers to buy drugs, we could see Jakarta become Manila if this policy is not abandoned.
5. This approach also has the potential to provoke open conflict between the government and mafia trafficking rings – something which we don’t need to import to Indonesia from Latin America. These sort of extrajudicial approaches have been proven to only lead to and reproduce vicious circles of violence, suffering and vengeance, which descend from generation to generation and are difficult to redress. In this context, oblivious civilians will become the first victims – simply for being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
6. Rising security tensions will also inflate the price of illegal drugs, resulting in the economic exploitation of people who use drugs. These individuals will be pushed to buy and consume drugs which are cheaper but of lower quality. This will impact the health of people who use drugs and contribute to an increase in their mortality rate – one of the very things the government said it intended to combat by embarking on the “War on Drugs”.
7. Extra-judicial killings are also a blatant violation of human rights, in particular the rights to life and to honest and fair administration of justice. Whatever a person’s crime, they must be brought to face court and given the chance to defend themselves. The law is enforced by humans and humans are regularly mistaken in their decision-making.
8. Extra judicial killings are clearly an act of treason against the constitution, which states explicitly that the rule of law applies in Indonesia. A nation which follows the rule of law should have procedures for the enforcement of the law which are followed correctly by law enforcement agents. This poses the question: What does “the rule of law” really mean in Indonesia.
9. These extra-judicial killings are committed in relation to narcotics, which are considered an enemy of the state. If the concept of an “enemy of the state” becomes justification for law enforcement to disregard procedure, our democracy will come under threat. Ideology, political choices and different perspectives could at a later date become excuses for law enforcement officials to carry out these shootings – a truly dangerous possibility in light of a sensitive year to come in 2019.

With regard to the analysis above, LBH Masyarakat wishes to:

1. Urge President Joko Widodo to instruct the Indonesian National Police and the National Anti-Narcotics Agency to immediately cease the practice of extra-judicial killings;
2. Request the National Commission on Human Rights, the Ombudsman, the National Police Commission and the Third Committee of the People’s Representative Council to summon and investigate the Indonesian government; in particular sections of law enforcement involved in this practice; to explain and justify their actions;
3. Urge the Indonesian National Police and the National Anti-Narcotics Agency to create monitoring mechanisms for fatal incidents which are accountable and open to the public in order to avoid abuses of power; and
4. Push the Indonesian National Police and the National Anti-Narcotics Agency to invest in technology such as body cameras to trial in police departments and regional/city National Anti-Narcotics Agency offices. Aside from raising accountability, such measures will also raise community trust in law enforcement.

Hopefully Indonesia will finally find its heart and common sense through the formation of humanist, effective and evidence-based drug policy.

Ajeng Larasati – LBH Masyarakat Policy and Research Coordinator

This press release was created for a press conference titled “Stop Extra-judicial Killings in Narcotics Cases Now” held at the offices of LBH Masyarakat on March 5, 2018. Speakers at this conference were Ma’ruf Bajammal (LBH Masyarakat Public Defender), Ajeng Larasati (LBH Masyarakat Policy and Research Coordinator), Bramantya Basuki (Amnesty International Indonesia Researcher), dan Arief Nur Fikri (KontraS Head of Human Rights Defence). This press releases was translated by Iven Manning.

Rilis Pers – Banyak PR Menanti Heru Winarko!

LBH Masyarakat mengucapkan selamat atas pelantikan Komjen Heru Winarko sebagai Kepala Badan Narkotika Nasional pada minggu lalu dan berharap proses serah terima jabatan esok hari dengan Komjen Budi Waseso juga lancar tanpa halangan berarti. Di sisi lain, LBH Masyarakat juga hendak mengingatkan beberapa pekerjaan rumah yang harus diselesaikan Heru Winarko dalam masa jabatannya.

Pertama, menghentikan penggunaan hukuman mati dan tembak di tembak sebagai simbolisme keberhasilan kebijakan narkotika di Indonesia. Dalam masa pemerintahan Presiden Joko Widodo, 18 terpidana kasus narkotika telah dihukum mati. Akhir tahun lalu, BNN memproklamirkan bahwa 79 orang yang tersangkut kasus narkotika telah ditembak mati tanpa proses peradilan dan menggaungkannya seakan-akan hal tersebut adalah sebuah keberhasilan.

Data BNN sendiri memperlihatkan bahwa angka peredaran gelap narkotika selalu naik dari tahun ke tahun. Oleh karenanya, pendekatan represif yang menyalahi prosedur seperti tembak mati di tempat dan hukuman mati yang jelas-jelas adalah sebuah pelanggaran HAM haruslah dihentikan. Selain tidak efektif, pendekatan semacam ini juga hanya merepotkan rekan-rekan di Kementerian Luar Negeri yang harus mempertanggungjawabkan komitmen Indonesia terhadap Hak Asasi Manusia

Kedua, merevisi Undang-Undang Nomor 35 Tahun 2009 tentang Narkotika. UU Narkotika yang saat ini berlaku di Indonesia memiliki beberapa kelemahan mendasar: masih mengkriminalisasi penggunaan narkotika, masih mengkriminalisasi penguasaan dan pembelian narkotika bahkan dalam jumlah kecil yang mana sangat wajar dilakukan oleh pengguna narkotika, BNN yang tidak diberikan wewenang rehabilitasi sehingga kewenangannya harus diselundupkan via Perpres, dan tidak dapat digunakannya narkotika golongan 1 untuk kesehatan. Hal ini sepatutnya jadi perhatian Kepala BNN baru untuk ikut mereformasi kebijakan narkotika Indonesia.

Ketiga, memberikan pernyataan publik selaku Kepala BNN untuk menolak masuknya pasal-pasal narkotika dalam Rancangan Kitab Undang-Undang Hukum Pidana. Di tengah terburu-burunya DPR mengesahkan RKUHP, di dalamnya masih tercantum pasal-pasal yang hanya salin tempel dari UU Narkotika yang sekarang. Niat baik untuk menyatukan ketentuan pidana dalam satu UU dapat berujung pada hilangnya hak rehabiltiasi bagi pengguna narkotika dan juga mengancam wewenang BNN dalam melakukan upaya pemberantasan. Kepala BNN baru perlu bersuara di publik mengenai hal ini agar publik juga melihat betapa berbahayanya RKUHP bagi situasi narkotika di Indonesia.

Yang keempat, mengoptimalkan pencucian uang sebagai metode untuk membuka jaringan peredaran gelap narkotika yang lebih luas. Heru Winarko yang memiliki pengalaman bekerja di Direktorat Tindak Pidana Ekonomi Khusus Polri dan juga KPK yang membuatnya ia semestinya sangat paham bagaimana bisnis ilegal memutar keuangannya agar terlihat sah. Reputasi Heru Winarko di bidang ini diharapkan dapat membuat aspek penegakan hukum narkotika Indonesia lebih kreatif – tidak hanya represif namun juga melalui kanal-kanal tindak pidan pencucian uang.

Yang kelima, mempergunakan pengalaman Heru Winarko untuk memberantas praktik-praktik korupsi dalam penanganan narkotika. Bisnis ilegal tidak pernah berdiri sendiri. Ia butuh pelindung dan para pelindung biasanya memiliki jabatan dan wewenang resmi. Hal inilah yang perlu diawasi dengan ketat oleh Heru Winarko. Perlu adanya kerjasama dengan KPK untuk membersihkan oknum-oknum korup dari lembaga-lembaga yang sering terlibat dalam penegakan hukum narkotika: BNN, Polri, Kejaksaan Agung, Mahkamah Agung, Kementerian Hukum dan HAM, juga militer dan bea cukai. Heru Winarko yang pernah bekerja di Direktorat Tindak Pidana Korupsi Polri dan bertindak sebagai Deputi Penindakan KPK semestinya punya kemampuan yang lebih dari cukup untuk ini. Jangan sampai pelaku-pelaku korupsi di penegakan hukum narkotika tidak tersentuh.

Mata Heru Winarko dalam memandang isu korupsi juga semestinya menjadi alasan yang cukup baginya untuk mendorong dekriminalisasi untuk penggunaan, penguasaan, dan pembelian narkotika dalam jumlah terbatas. Setiap kriminalisasi menghadirkan wewenang dan pengawasan terhadap wewenang penegakan hukum narkotika sangat sulit diawasi sehingga menghasilkan fenomena korupsi yang masif. Dekriminalisasi bisa jadi jawaban untuk masalah itu.

Tidak mudah memang tantangan Heru Winarko selaku Kepala BNN ke depan. Dan Heru Winarko punya pilihan: mau tampil keras tanpa arti atau berhasil dengan inovasi.

Jakarta, 4 Maret 2018

Yohan Misero – Analis Kebijakan Narkotika LBH Masyarakat

Volunteer\’s Story: Isobel Blomfield

Isobel Blomfield, a student from University of New South Wales, volunteered at LBH Masyarakat (Community Legal Aid Institute) from January to February 2018. She volunteered here by joining ACICIS program. She helps us create a great advocacy video for the criminal law revision – and many more. She writes her experience in Jakarta through a heart-warming journal. We thank Isobel for her amazing work and dedication and wish her well for the future. Isobel, thank you for becoming a wonderful volunteer friend!

You can read her journal here.

Volunteer\’s Story: Isobel Blomfield

Isobel Blomfield, a student from University of New South Wales, volunteered at LBH Masyarakat (Community Legal Aid Institute) from January to February 2018. She volunteered here by joining ACICIS program. She helps us create a great advocacy video for the criminal law revision – and many more. She writes her experience in Jakarta through a heart-warming journal. We thank Isobel for her amazing work and dedication and wish her well for the future. Isobel, thank you for becoming a wonderful volunteer friend!

You can read her journal here.