A Cheap Shot !

What can only be called a "cheap shot "was aired on a video by actor and director Brendan Cowell when he demanded Prime Minister Tony Abbott "show some balls " and " Get over to Indonesia and
bring these two boys home " !

The Australian media has concentrated it's attention on Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran but Indonesia planned to execute nine prisoners - and at the last minute issued a stay of execution on a woman from the Philippines because they needed her to give evidence in a forthcoming human trafficking case.

The eight executed came from Australia, Brazil, Nigeria and Indonesia and there were calls for clemency from most world countries - and personal appeals from Ban Ki-Moon, head of the United Nations, The Pope, the Dalai Lama and even petitions from Indonesian citizens, but all of these were ignored by Indonesian president Joko Widodo.

The fact remains that Indonesia is a sovereign country and it's laws call for the death penalty for drug crimes.  Like most decisions that affect foreign relations, this refusal to grant clemency has political undertones.   Widodo beat off a strong army general to win office and feels a need to appear to be a "tough guy ",   Early in his presidency he painted himself into a corner when he promised executions for drug prisoners - and now he had no option than to deliver on his promise.

Indonesia is feeling the heat from the rest of the world and it is quite possible that we may see a law change to drop the death penalty - after enough passage of time to allow feelings to subside.  The big danger is if stirrers demand retribution against our close neighbour and this leads to actions that degrade trade and harm the close cooperation in defence and security which is mutually beneficial.

Our relationship with Indonesia has come a long way since "Bung " Sukarno was president and he openly claimed that an Indonesian invasion of Australia was inevitable.  Tensions within Islam are roiling on a world wide basis and Indonesia is predominantly Muslim, so there have been undercurrents and events such as the Bali bombings,  but basically most Indonesians are happy to practice their religion in peace.   The opportunities for trade and commerce are enormous.

Executions have in the past caused friction and it is worth remembering that tension between Australia and Singapore were once raised over the fate of an Australian who fell foul of a law in that island state.  While we do not agree with capital punishment, we certainly agree with the right of individual countries to apply the laws that their courts uphold.  It is the responsibility of visitors to abide by whatever laws are in force.  Our relationship with Singapore could not now be more cordial.

We are a country that prides itself on laws that protect free speech.  Brendan Cowell has the right to make ridiculous statements demanding that our prime minister either take an army division and storm the Indonesian beaches to free two prisoners - or grovel to Widodo and plead for their release.  Unfortunately, in this age of Facebook and Twitter those who lead countries are subjected to the whims of citizens airing their personal grievances.   Tony Abbott was recently criticised when the media posted a photo of him enjoying a glass of beer.  Of course, had he knocked it back and declared he was a teetotaller - the rest of Australia would have branded him a "Wowser " !   The New Zealand prime minister received similar jibes when he playfully tugged the ponytail of his favourite waitress.  Such is life in this twenty-first century.

The families of the deceased must be allowed to mourn their loss in peace.  Most people hoped for a happier ending, but it was not to be. Perhaps something will be learned from this experience that will auger well for the future.   Now is the time to close the book on this incident !