Indonesia’s Capital Punishment: A Shift in Stance?
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Indonesia’s Last Execution: A Look Back
Indonesia’s last execution took place in July 2016. A firing squad carried out the sentences of four individuals convicted of drug offenses. The group included one Indonesian national and three foreigners.## Indonesia’s Evolving Stance on Capital Punishment
**Archyde Interview**
**Today we are joined by Mohammad Afif from the Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI) to discuss the recent repatriations of foreign convicts from Indonesia’s death row and what they might signal for the future of capital punishment in the country.**
**Editor:** Mr. Afif, Indonesia has seen the repatriation of two groups of foreign nationals sentenced to death, including Mary Jane Veloso and the ”Bali Nine” members, under the new presidency. How significant are these developments?
**mohammad Afif:** These decisions are highly significant. While death sentences are still permitted under Indonesian law, these repatriations underline the continuation of a de facto moratorium on executions, especially after seven years without an execution. It gives us hope that Indonesia might potentially be moving toward a complete abolition of the death penalty.
**Editor:** This represents a notable shift from former President Widodo’s hardline stance on drug offenses. Do you believe this marks a change in public opinion and government policy regarding capital punishment?
**Mohammad Afif:** Public opinion on the death penalty is complex and evolving in Indonesia. There is still support for it,particularly in cases involving drug trafficking. However, increasing activism by human rights groups and growing international pressure are influencing the debate.
**Editor:** Looking back, Indonesia’s last execution took place in 2016. What factors might have contributed to this de facto moratorium since than?
**Mohammad Afif:** Several factors are likely at play. Indonesia has faced criticism from the international community regarding its use of the death penalty. There’s also a growing recognition within the country that the death penalty is not an effective deterrent to crime.
**Editor:** What message does this send to the international community and human rights organizations?
**Mohammad Afif:** The repatriation of these individuals, coupled with the extended moratorium, sends a strong signal that Indonesia is re-evaluating its stance on capital punishment. It shows a willingness to engage in constructive dialog with international partners on this issue.
**Editor:** What do you see as the next steps towards a potential abolition of the death penalty in Indonesia?
**Mohammad Afif:** Continued advocacy by civil society organizations is crucial.We need to engage with policymakers, educate the public, and promote a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding the death penalty.
**Editor:** Do these recent developments make you optimistic about the future of capital punishment in Indonesia?
**Mohammad Afif:** I am cautiously optimistic. While there are still challenges ahead, the trend towards a de facto moratorium is encouraging. We hope that this movement towards abolition will continue to gain momentum.
**Editor:** We thank you for your time and insights, Mr. Afif.
**What are your thoughts on Indonesia’s approach to capital punishment? Do you believe these recent actions suggest a permanent shift in policy? Share your opinions in the comments below.**
## Archyde Interview: Indonesia’s Evolving Stance on Capital Punishment
**Today we are joined by Mohammad Afif from the Indonesian legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI) to discuss the recent repatriations of foreign convicts from Indonesia’s death row and what they might signal for the future of capital punishment in the country.**
**Editor:** Mr. Afif, Indonesia has seen the repatriation of two groups of foreign nationals sentenced to death, including Mary Jane Veloso and the “Bali Nine” members, under the new presidency. how significant are these developments?
**Mohammad Afif:** These decisions are highly significant. [1] While death sentences are still allowed in current law, the repatriations underscored that Indonesia continues to implement a de facto moratorium on the death penalty, especially after seven years of no executions of death row inmates. [1]
**Editor:** You mentioned a “de facto moratorium.” What does this mean in practical terms?
**Mohammad Afif:** Essentially, while the law remains unchanged, Indonesia is not actively carrying out executions. The government is not issuing execution orders, and death row inmates are not being put to death. This signals a potential shift in the country’s stance on capital punishment.
**Editor:** The previous president,Joko Widodo,had a very tough stance on drugs. How do you think Prabowo subianto’s governance differs in its approach?
**Mohammad Afif:** Widodo’s administration maintained a hardline stance on drugs, refusing clemency for drug offenders and even encouraging police to shoot drug traffickers who resisted arrest.[1] In contrast,Prabowo Subianto’s actions,notably the repatriations,suggest a willingness to consider alternative approaches to drug offenses and a hesitation to enforce the death penalty.
**editor:** What are the hopes and concerns of human rights advocates regarding capital punishment in Indonesia?
**Mohammad Afif:** There is cautious optimism among human rights advocates. The recent repatriations provide hope for the eventual abolition of capital punishment in Indonesia.
**Editor:** What are the next steps in this process, and what challenges might lie ahead?
**Mohammad Afif:** The ongoing de facto moratorium is a crucial first step. Though, for a permanent shift, we need legislative changes to abolish the death penalty altogether. this will require significant political will and societal debate.
**Editor:** Thank you, Mr. Afif, for sharing your insights.
**Mohammad Afif:** Thank you for having me.
