Bali Nine: Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran in next group to face Indonesian firing squad

By George Roberts

The Indonesian government has confirmed that two convicted Australian drug smugglers are to be put to death in the next round of executions.

It is understood Prime Minister Tony Abbott pleaded with Indonesia to see if there was anything that could be done to save the lives of Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran.
But Indonesia informed Australia that all options had been exhausted and the decision was made.

Last week Chan and Sukumaran filed requests for reviews of their death sentences after they were denied presidential pardons.

Among the documents filed to the Denpasar district court were letters Chan and Sukumaran wrote to president Joko Widodo and the chief justice of the supreme court, begging for mercy.

However, a spokesperson for attorney-general Muhammad Prasetyo said that would not stop the Bali Nine ringleaders being executed.

The two Australians have been in jail in Indonesia since 2005 after they were arrested with seven others while trying to smuggle heroin out of Bali.

There has been no decision on when the executions would take place, but the pair could get as little as 72 hours' official notice of their execution.

The pair's lawyer, Julian McMahon, said the comments from Indonesia's attorney-general were "disturbing" considering an appeal was underway.

"According to the rule of law, most people immediately understand that a whole lot of rights flow from being in that position," he told 7.30.

"So it seems disturbing to say the least that while we are in a court, a politician is saying that - the attorney-general is saying that.

"Nevertheless, we're going to be in the next batch of executions while at the same time saying that he would not seek to interfere with the court."

Mr McMahon said he had no further information than reports in the media, but warned Indonesia against conducting the process with unnecessary speed.

"In fact, looking at these kinds of cases around the world over the last 50 years, the one thing that you don't want when considering whether or not people should be taken out and shot is, firstly, political involvement in the judicial process and, secondly, unseemly haste," he said.

"The question of the death penalty is a very live issue in Indonesia. There is no reason to be hasty.

"Six people were taken out and shot about 10 days ago, and now we're told a whole lot more are going to be taken out and shot soon."

Nothing Australia can do to stop executions, ambassador says

Earlier, Indonesia's ambassador to Australia said he had met with Australia's "highest official" and explained there was nothing Australia could do to save Chan and Sukumaran from the firing squad.

Ambassador Nadjib Kesoema was in Jakarta for a briefing with Mr Widodo.
It is understood that on Australia Day Mr Abbott asked the ambassador if there was anything Australia could do to change the decision.

Mr Kesoema said he explained that all avenues had been exhausted and the situation was final.

George Roberts is the Indonesia Correspondent for ABC. His article originally appeared 2 January on ABC online.