JAKARTA (Yosefardi) – The Nadhlatul Ulama (NU) and the Muhammadiyah, the two largest Muslim organizations in the country, have supported the government’s plan to execute the death sentence for convicted drug dealers.

The government secured support from both NU and Muhammadiyah during the visit of President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo to the office of NU and Muhammadiyah respectively, Wednesday (Dec. 24).

As reported earlier, President Jokowi has ruled out to grant clemency for 64 death-row drug convicts.

Five out of 64 death-row drug convicts are expected to be executed this month by the Attorney General Office (AGO). The Supreme Court (MA) has given permission to the AGO to execute the death sentence for 5 convicted drug dealers.

According to Minister of Law & Human Rights Yasonna Laoly, President had ordered authorities to take a strong and firm action against drug dealers. Yasonna said President mentioned the drug problem as a national emergency. (haryantosuharman@yosefardi.com)