Indonesian Muslim bodies for death penalty to drug dealers

The Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), the biggest Muslim organisation in Indonesia, along with the second largest one, the Muhammadiyah, have extended support to the government over the implementation of death penalty against drug dealers, leaders of the organisations said here Wednesday.

The statements followed the visits of President Joko Widodo to the headquarters of the two organisations to request their opinions on the implementation of death penalty.

"The Nahdlatul Ulama supports the death penalty against dealers of drug," Xinhua quoted chairman of NU Aqil Siradj as saying at the NU headquarters, adding that "It is in line with the state constitution".

Chairman of Muhammadiyah Malik Fajar also conveyed support to the punishment, saying: "Muhammadiyah fully supports the implementation of death penalty against drug dealers."

Indonesia is the world's largest Muslim country, with Muslims accounting for the majority of its 238 million population, most of them moderate.

The president said he had already rejected dozens of petitions for exemption submitted by drug dealers who had been sentenced to death by courts, and he has asked the attorney general's office, police and other related institutions to strengthen efforts to enforce the anti-drug law.

Indonesia's anti-narcotic agency has targeted to free the country from the menace of drugs by next year.