Advertisement

Indon ambassador wants debate on capital punishment

Indonesian ambassador Nadjib Riphat Kesoema has urged Australia to give his country space to debate the issue of capital punishment.

Speaking at a business breakfast in Perth, Mr Kesoema said indonsia was not a 'trigger happy' country.

He said a robust and open debate was happening throughout society on capital punishment.

Mr Kesoema did not comment specifically on the fate of convicted drug smugglers Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran, but indicated that over time Indonesia might abolish capital punishment.

Indonesian police arrive at Kerobokan jail. Source: Supplied

"The robust debate in Indonesia about capital punishment is taking place," he said.

"Give us the space to internally discuss this matter. It is not an easy game to play. We are not trigger happy. We do it for a very big reason."

Mr Kesoema reminded Australia that it had taken more than 80 years after Federation to abolish capital punishment.

"Indonesia is doing a very robust, very frank, very open debate on this. I believe that you will see the result in the near future but remember also that more than 1500 young people . . . die every month because of drugs."

Indonesian Ambassador  Nadjib Riphat Kesoema talking to Stephen Smith. Picture: Steve Ferrier/The West Australian
Indonesian Ambassador Nadjib Riphat Kesoema talking to Stephen Smith. Picture: Steve Ferrier/The West Australian

Indonesian Ambassador Nadjib Riphat Kesoema talking to Stephen Smith. Picture: Steve Ferrier/The West Australian

Mr Kesoema described the drugs problem as sad for Australia and sad for Indonesia.

The ambassador, on his first official to WA, said the pending executions would impact in many ways, including on diplomatic relations.

He hoped the "importance of bringing up the people of Indonesia and Australia together" would soon repair any damage in relations.

Mr Kesoema spent several minutes talking privately with former Foreign Minister Stephen Smith, who he described as an "old friend".

Mr Smith refused to comment on Australia's handling of the issue and the potential diplomatic fallout, but a number of businessmen at the breakfast were concerned about the impact on trade of a rift between the two countries.