Jakarta (ANTARA News) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has asserted that Indonesia will continue to support Siti Aisyah, an Indonesian woman suspected of murdering North Korean leader Kim Jong-uns half-brother Kim Jong-nam in Malaysia, by providing a lawyer.

"Obviously, we will always accompany Siti Aisyah. I have informed the foreign affairs minister that Aisya will be accompanied by a lawyer appointed to offer protection to her," President Jokowi remarked after the launch of non-cash food aid through the prosperous family cards in Cibubur, East Jakarta, on Thursday.

The head of state expressed hope that the murder case would soon be solved, so that Aisyahs position becomes clear.

Further, President Jokowi reiterated that Aisyah deserves protection rights as an Indonesian citizen.

Earlier on Wednesday, Inspector General Amar Joey Boy, head of the Public Relations Division of the National Police Headquarters, remarked that the Indonesian Police and Indonesian Embassy in Malaysia were readying legal assistance for Aisyah.

"We, along with the embassy, are preparing to offer legal assistance to Aisyah," Boy stated at the Indonesian Police Headquarters in Jakarta City on Wednesday.

The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has yet to obtain permission from the Malaysian authorities to meet Aisyah.

Last Saturday, Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi had communicated with her Malaysian counterpart to reaffirm the Indonesian governments request to grant consular access to Aisyah, who is currently in temporary detention in Malaysia.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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