Lawmakers OK Extradition Treaties With Vietnam, Papua New Guinea

Jakarta. To help tackle corruption and organized crime, Indonesia is looking to sign extradition treaties with Vietnam and Papua New Guinea.

House of Representatives' Commission I on Monday discussed a draft law on the matter with the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Justice and Human Rights Minister Yasonna Laoly said after the bill was passed by the commission that extradition treaties with Vietnam and Papua New Guinea would be important to support the legal process against those who have committed a crime, especially when linked to corruption, and have absconded from Indonesia.

"This draft is a way to reduce crime, in particular corruption and organized crime, with the help of other countries," Commission I member Supriyadin said.

“Extradition treaties can also help improve Indonesia’s political and legal relations with other countries,” Supriyadin argued.

Indonesia has already signed a number of extradition treaties, including with Malaysia, the Philippines, Australia, and Thailand.