Indonesia defends death penalty for drug crimes - BBC News

Summary

The transcript discusses Indonesia's stance on the death penalty, with 85% public support despite UN criticism. It addresses drug trafficking and its impact on victims, highlighting rehabilitation efforts. The president assures legal processes for a British woman on death row. Indonesia shares its approach to combating Islamic radicalism, emphasizing a balance of hard power through law enforcement and soft power through cultural and religious means. The country also seeks reconciliation for past atrocities, inviting national dialogue to understand and heal historical wounds.

Takeaways

• 💬 85% of people in a recent poll support the death penalty in light of the current emergency situation.
• ⚖️ The government justifies the death penalty as a human rights issue from the perspective of victims and those affected by drug abuse.
• 📊 4.5 million people are undergoing drug rehabilitation in Indonesia, highlighting the impact of drug-related crimes on society.
• 😔 Drug abuse has caused significant distress to families, particularly parents whose children are affected.
• 💀 The death penalty by firing squad remains legal under Indonesian law, despite criticisms of its harshness.
• 🇬🇧 A British woman, Lindsay Sanderford, is on death row in Indonesia for drug smuggling, and her legal rights are being respected.
• 🛡️ Indonesia collaborates with other nations, including Europe, in addressing Islamic radicalism through both hard and soft power approaches.
• 📉 Despite 600 Indonesians going to Syria to fight, the figure is minor compared to the country's population of 252 million.
• 🕌 Indonesia showcases how Islam and democracy can coexist peacefully, emphasizing pluralism and tolerance.
• 📜 A recent meeting in Jakarta discussed the 1965 Massacre, promoting reconciliation but ruling out an official apology at this time.

Q & A

What percentage of people support the death penalty according to the recent poll mentioned in the transcript?

According to the recent poll mentioned, 85% of the people support the death penalty.

What does the UN say about the death penalty in relation to drug trafficking offenses?

The UN describes the death penalty as not being appropriate for crimes that are not the most serious, such as drug trafficking offenses.

How does the speaker justify the death penalty considering human rights?

The speaker justifies the death penalty by considering the human rights from the perspective of the victims of drug trafficking and abuse, highlighting the suffering of millions undergoing rehabilitation and the sadness of their parents.

What is the speaker's stance on the future of Indonesian young generation in relation to drug issues?

The speaker expresses concern for the future of the Indonesian young generation, emphasizing the impact of drug abuse on families and society.

Is the method of execution by firing squad considered Draconian by the speaker?

The speaker does not directly comment on the method of execution by firing squad being Draconian but mentions it as part of the positive law.

What is the legal process for a British woman on death row for drug smuggling mentioned in the transcript?

The legal process for the British woman on death row involves following the legal process and ensuring that all legal rights are fully respected.

How does Indonesia collaborate with Europe in tackling Islamic radicalism?

Indonesia collaborates with Europe by sharing its experience of how Islam and democracy can coexist and by adopting a comprehensive approach to dealing with radicalism and extremism.

What is the number of Indonesians who have gone to Syria to fight, as mentioned in the transcript?

The transcript mentions figures ranging from 600 to less than 400 Indonesians who have gone to Syria to fight.

How does the speaker view the percentage of Indonesians who have gone to Syria to fight in comparison to the total population?

The speaker views the percentage of Indonesians who have gone to Syria to fight as very minor compared to the total population of 252 million.

What is the comprehensive approach Indonesia adopted in dealing with radicalism and extremism?

The comprehensive approach includes both hard power, related to law enforcement, and soft power, which involves cultural and religious approaches.

Why is there a meeting for Truth and Reconciliation regarding the 1965 Massacre in Indonesia?

The meeting is held to discuss the history and the path of reconciliation, as Indonesia is a democratic country that consults with its people on what they want.

Why is an apology being ruled out in the context of discussing the 1965 Massacre?

The speaker implies that sometimes when revisiting history, it's important to consider the context in which situations emerged, suggesting that apologies may not be straightforward in such historical contexts.