Jakarta, Feb 21 (Antara) -- The execution of drug convicts given the
death penalty in Indonesia is a matter of law enforcement, similar to
the execution of terrorists, which is required to fight crimes that
threaten the lives of people.
In keeping with this belief, Indonesia has to be consistent and firm
with regard to upholding its legal principles without bowing down to
political or diplomatic pressures.
However, as the convicts on death row include foreign nationals as
well, Indonesia is facing resistance from their home countries.
Therefore, the execution of these convicts could result in strained
relations with the countries.
In spite of this possibility, analysts believe the strain in relations
will only last temporarily. In this case, the problem could affect the
political sphere and sovereignty of the country.
The
Indonesian government's plan to execute 11 death row convicts, which
include foreigners, two of whom are Australian nationals Andrew Chan and
Myuran Sukumaran, has drawn resistance overseas, particularly from
Australia
Taking a harsh stance against drug dealers in January,
the government of President Joko Widodo recently executed six convicted
drug dealers on death row. Besides one of its own citizens, the
convicts were from Malawi, Nigeria, Vietnam, Brazil and the Netherlands.
The executions prompted Brazil and the Netherlands to recall their
ambassadors in protest.
It will soon execute 11 other convicts sentenced to death, including
nine drug convicts, two of whom are Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran.
The two Australians were members of the 'Bali Nine' drug ring, a group
of drug traffickers who were nabbed on April 17, 2005, in Bali while
they were trying to smuggle out 8.3 kilograms of heroin worth Rp40
billion to Australia.
The plan to execute the two Australian nationals has led Australian
Prime Minister Tony Abbott to warn Indonesia. He was quoted as saying by
ABC that his government "will find ways to make its displeasure known
if the executions are carried out."
The Australian prime
minister also wanted Indonesia to remember Australia's generosity when a
deadly tsunami hit Aceh in 2004.
"I would say to the Indonesian people and the Indonesian government: We
in Australia are always there to help you, and we hope that you might
reciprocate," he was recently quoted by BBC as saying.
According to law expert Dr. Atip Latipulhayat of Padjadjaran State
University (Unpad), Indonesia's consistent stance on executing
convicted criminals on death row, including those found guilty of drug
offenses, is legitimate because it is explicitly stipulated in the
country's legal system.
Therefore, foreign governments, including Australia, must respect
Indonesia's sovereignty, he stated, adding that Canberra, however, had
the right to defend the lives of Myuran Sukumaran (33) and Andrew Chan
(31) by requesting for pardon.
Furthermore, international relations observer Honest Doody Moelasy of
Jember University emphasized that the Indonesian government must be firm
in implementing the execution of the 'Bali Nine' drug convicts.
"The Australian government protesting the execution of its citizens is
understandable," Moelasy pointed out, adding that the Indonesian
government must be firm in carrying out the execution of the drug
convicts, even though there is pressure from the Australian government
to free its citizens from facing the firing squad.
"The execution may impact the relations between Indonesia and
Australia, but the strain will only last for a short period of time. It
is believed that their relations will improve because Indonesia holds an
important position for Australia," Moelasy remarked.
He also pointed out that countries have different systems of law
enforcement to fight crimes. So other countries should respect
Indonesia's legal principles.
"Death penalty for narcotics dealers is aimed at deterring foreign drug
traffickers from targeting Indonesia as their market," he said.
In addition, Indonesia, a country with a population of more than 240
million that serves as a potential market for illegal drug trafficking,
is in an emergency situation over drugs.
As many as 18 thousand people die in a year in Indonesia due to drug addiction.
So President Joko Widodo is resolved to not pardon narcotics convicts
and to maintain a firm stance with regard to efforts towards fighting
drug offenses, which he views as dangerous and serious.
"I have stressed that I will not pardon drug convicts who have been
given the capital punishment," the president stated.
Jokowi revealed that at present, an average of 50 deaths occur every
day due to narcotics abuse, which means some 18 thousand victims die due
to drug addiction in one year.
"I explained this to other heads of states as well, after the recent
execution of drug convicts sentenced to death. I explained this to the
presidents and prime ministers who contacted me asking for clemency (for
convicts from their respective countries). They should know that as
many as 50 people die every day due to addiction to drugs. This does not
include the 4.2 to 4.5 million others who are undergoing
rehabilitation," Jokowi noted.
In addition, there are 1.2 million addicts who cannot be rehabilitated due to various reasons.
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(T.A014/INE)
EDITED BY INE |
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