The chief justice of Indonesia's powerful Constitutional Court has hit out at the decision to grant Schapelle Corby clemency, saying drug crimes are worse than terrorism.

The convicted drug smuggler's appeal for clemency was granted last week by Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, who cut five years from her 20-year sentence.

Five years off her sentence ... Schapelle Corby. Credit:AP

The decision means Corby, who was caught trying to smuggle 4.1 kilograms of marijuana into Bali in a bodyboard bag in 2004, is set to be released in 2017.

However, Constitutional Court Chief Justice Mahfud MD has called on Dr Yudhoyono to explain the clemency decision, joining a growing chorus of condemnation in Indonesia over the decision.