Purwanto said this on Wednesday in Abuja while featuring on a News Agency of Nigeria Forum that most of the cases were narcotic-related.

He said the Indonesian Government was facing massive challenge in dealing with drug-related crimes and would not compromise in punishing defaulters.

He said: “Out of about 4.5 million people related to drug addiction, about 60 per cent of them are regular addiction, the rest are recreational.

“Indonesia is facing real problem on narcotic crimes as every day, 33 to 55 young Indonesians die because of drug-related crimes.”

The envoy said Indonesian authorities had always reminded visitors of the consequences of engaging in crimes, particularly drug-related ones while in the country.

According to Purwanto, the government of Indonesia expected any visitor to the country to respect the laws of the land.

Purwanto, however, said pregnant women, children and mentally challenged persons were exempted from death penalty.

He said punishing people by death had been recognised in Indonesia since 1973, but said that fewer than 50 convicts had been executed since then.

The envoy also said executions were usually carried out after all legal procedures had been followed and the suspect found guilty of charges brought against him or her.

Purwanto said in spite of the negative actions of few Nigerians in Indonesia, he would continue to make case for easing visa restrictions for Nigerians with good intention of visiting Indonesia.

NAN.