While l have personally spent a bit of time arguing via social media for Indonesian President “Joko Widodo” to grant clemency to Chan & Sukumaran, this is the first post on this topic to my blog.
It was only a few minutes ago that l posted my latest reply to a discussion that has been taking place on a facebook group that l am a member of (I will include the link at bottom of post)
During my latest reply……. i realised something….. something quite important and very significant!
On one side of this discussion we have the “Sovereign Country who still practices the Death Penalty” It is very hard to argue against that point……
On my side of this discussion we have the “Death penalty brings an “END” to the punishment for the guilty/accused, but is the start of a new and bigger penalty for their often totally innocent families” Which l believe is hard to argue against that point…..
There are “MANY” other arguments “For & Against” which are good points and no doubt there are several points which are also difficult to argue against…….
Having these types of discussions/friendly debates may not result in us all agreeing, but it can lead to a better understanding as to why people might have a different view to that of “Ourselves” and it can help to bring people ” TO A COMPROMISE” which “More” people might be in agreement to.
None of us can “STOP” what may soon happen to Chan & Sukumaran as that is in the hands of one man….. (Joko Widodo) But if he was to read these types of public discussions and have the willingness to compromise. Joko Widodo can and possibly still may remove the death penalty for Chan & Sukumaran, but he needs something that might enable him to overcome his current “Tough” stance and “Not Negotiable” attitude.
While we (The general public) are in the dark as to all of the dialogue that has occurred between our Government/Officials and the Indonesians…… We are asking Indonesia to apply a lighter sentence to Chan & Sukumaran, but what are we actually offering in return?
To date l have seen our Government begin in a polite manner and attempt to pull on the heart strings of Joko Widodo, it appears that it hasn’t worked. In more recent times l have seen a harder tone in the dialogue which also has seemingly failed……
Our Government hinting of “Consequences” should Chan & Sukumaran be executed may cause Joko Widodo to get his back up at what he may perceive as being “Threats” or he might “Give In” because of the potential impact the “Consequences” may have. (Flip a Coin on that one)
By lobbying Indonesia to reduce the sentence currently imposed on Chan & Sukumaran, we are in effect trying to influence the penalties applied in another Sovereign Country, but are we willing to let Indonesia influence the penalties we apply here in Australia?
I do wonder to myself if at any point, has our government considered “Giving” Indonesia a commitment to lobby our States/Territories or make some changes to Federal Laws to “FURTHER DISCOURAGE” drug smuggling between Indonesia & Australia?
It could be seen as us influencing Indonesia to give some ground, while at the same time, Indonesia influencing us to also give some ground. It would not be perceived as a “Threat” nor would it be seen as “Joko Giving In” Quite simply it would be viewed as both sides coming a little closer to the middle and in effect reaching a “FAIR AND DIPLOMATIC COMPROMISE”
The Bali9 only risked the DEATH PENALTY whilst they was on the Indonesian side….. so in this case while trying to “Depart” Indonesia. The moment that plane got up in the air, they would have felt a huge sigh of relief that “IF” they get caught it would now be at the Australian “Arrivals” and our penalties are far lesser…… maybe 6 – 14 years in much cleaner and higher standard of prison.
As we know, the Bali9 were apprehended in Indonesia, as a result they are exposed to the Indonesian Justice & penalty system. If the Bali9 had of made it out of Indonesia and home to Australia to be arrested, they would have been subject to the Australian justice system and our much lesser penalties.
A compromise that might have been able to help convince Joko to grant clemency could have been that “WE” will raise our penalties to a much longer term in prison and we will set higher minimums. In an attempt to further discourage drug smuggling……. Such a compromise could help both sides of this discussion to feel a sense of satisfaction.
If Australian Government officials offered to “UP” our penalties at home, it could be seen as the Indonesians influencing us to “Increase” our penalties. (Which they currently view as being too light) and it may provide Joko Widodo with the “Incentive” to grant clemency on “This” occasion. Further it would “GIVE” Joko something REAL, Something Tangible and Something for him to “Proudly” hang his at on.
It would be interesting to know if our government even “THOUGHT” of this type of dialogue during their numerous requests for Clemency? I may well be wrong…… but my guess would be “NO THEY PROBABLY DIDN’T”
Australia can not tell Indonesia that their penalties are too harsh, UNLESS we are willing to listen to Indonesia that perhaps our penalties are too soft……. Both countries can and should learn from each other and attempt to bring each countries penalties that little bit closer together.
My message to Australian officials trying to influence Joko Widodo.
Yes! you must stand firm and inform Joko of the potential consequences of executing Chan & Sukumaran, but you must keep those discussions confidential and you must offer something significant, but more importantly “SOMETHING FOR JOKO TO HANG HIS HAT ON” in return for his cooperation on this matter.
Offer or find a compromise that can be viewed by both countries as a win for the “War On Drugs” both here in Australia and Indonesia.
To increase our penalties in Australia for mercy on Chan & Sukumaran would be Australia & Indonesia “GIVING” but also “GAINING” ground on what we must concede are penalties that are still worlds apart.
Here is the link to the post/discussion l have been involved with
many of us Australians and