New posts this week: last pleas for mercy fall on deaf ears; salvaging the relationship despite death penalty go ahead; Indonesians well aware of threats to KPK

Selamat datang ke blog resmi Indonesia Institute,

The Indonesian Attorney General has granted Myuran and Andrew a few more precious moments with their family. But the clock is ticking and the gracious reprieve is just delaying the inevitable. Clemency is what they desperately need. Please Pak Widodo, reconsider your decision.Please join your leading thinkers and intellectuals who regard the death penalty as unconstitutional.

Take a look at drugs in Indonesia, at prisons at 400 percent capacity due to drug related crimes, at statistics that define functioning, casual drug users as addicts on the brink of death. What you have been doing is not working. This hardline, criminal approach to drug use is not working. It is dehumanising. It is a losing battle. Another approach to drugs is needed.

Editor



Please enjoy this week's offerings:

"The majority of the public believe there are efforts to weaken the KPK," by Hotman Sirego, February 2015.
Not fooled: Indonesians are well aware their much loved thin red line, Komisi Pemberantasan Korupsi, is being set upon.

"Cool heads needed as Bali Nine leaders prepare for firing squad," by Ross B Taylor, February 2015.
The Indonesia Institute's president warns against extreme reactions that push Indonesia into a more intolerant position on the death penalty.

"No to second chances: what Indonesia and Australia have in common," by Lauren Gumbs, February 2015.
The similarities between Indonesia and Australia are apparent as both governments pander to populism, in the process justifying grave human rights abuses.

"Comments on the death penalty and current state of play," by members and others, February 2015.
Read what out members and other have to say about the pressures facing Jokowi.

In other news: 

The Indonesia Institute will be holding its annual board meeting 23 February and will discuss the forward direction of the Institute in 2015 and beyond. We hope to continue to be part of the Aus-Indo relationship and to forge new partnerships and contribute to positive change in the way we interact with one another and the ASEAN region.

The Perth US Asia Centre is also staging a book launch 23 February, New Perspectives on Indonesia. If you would like to attend please contact info@indonesia-institute.org.au before 23 February.  More to come on this.

The Indonesia Institute is supporting the Australia Indonesia Business Council (AIBC) in holding a welcome event for the Indonesian Ambassador to Australia, H.E. Bapak Nadjib Riphat Kesoema 4 March. Registrations close 27 February. Visit AIBC's website for details.

Extra reading:

Check out the latest foodie craze coming to a street corner near you.

Another stab: Kalla says if it were up to him he would inaugurate Budi Gunawan.

East Timor President Xanana Gusmao is stepping down.