VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) received Siti Aisyah, an Indonesian citizen who was previously accused of involvement in the murder of Kim Jong-nam, half-brother of North Korea's highest leader, Kim Jong-un, at Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Tuesday (12/3) afternoon.

After the meeting which lasted around 15 minutes, President Jokowi told reporters to express his gratitude because Siti Aisyah had been able to be freed from the threat of a very heavy sentence, and had been able to rejoint her family. 

President Jokowi explained that the release of Siti Aisyah was the result of a long legal assistance process from the government. Among others, by hiring a lawyer, which was done since Siti was arrested in Malaysia, about 2 years ago. "This is a manifestation of the government's concern for its citizens," he said.

Officially, the President continued, the government represented by the Minister of Foreign Affairs  Retno Marsudi had handed Siti Aisyah to her family. The Head of State advised that for the time being, Siti Aisyah would be at home first until later she was rather calm and could plan her life again.

Also accompanying President Jokowi on this occasion was Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi, Minister of Law and Human Rights Yasonna Laoly, Minister of State Secretary Pratikno. While Siti Aisyah came to the Merdeka Palace accompanied by her parents and sister.

As is known, Siti Aisyah was released by the Malaysian High Court from the charges involved in the murder of Kim Jong-nam. The Public Prosecutor at the Selangor High Court, Darul Ehsan, Malaysia, Muhammad Iskandar bin Ahmad, has withdrawn charges against Siti Aisyah, from a trial that has been going on since March 1, 2017. (setkab)