how many prisoners are on death row in indonesia

Discover the current number of prisoners on death row in Indonesia with our comprehensive guide.

Indonesia is one of the countries in the world that still practices the death penalty. According to data from the Ministry of Law and Human Rights in Indonesia, as of June 30th, 2021, there were 190 death row inmates in the country. This number has fluctuated over the years and varied based on the severity of the crimes committed and the legal process that ensued. Let’s dive deeper into the topic of the death penalty in Indonesia.

The history of death penalty in Indonesia

The death penalty has a long history in Indonesia and has been used for various types of crimes including drug trafficking, terrorism, and murder. In the past, it was used under colonial rule by the Dutch East Indies government. After Indonesia gained independence in 1945, the death penalty was still used, and in 1975, the country enacted a new criminal code that stipulated the death penalty for various types of crimes.

Despite the long history of the death penalty in Indonesia, there have been ongoing debates about its effectiveness in deterring crime and its compatibility with human rights. In recent years, there have been calls for the abolition of the death penalty, with some arguing that it is a cruel and inhumane punishment that violates the right to life.

In 2019, Indonesia carried out its first execution in four years, sparking renewed debate about the use of the death penalty. The execution was carried out by firing squad and involved a man convicted of murdering nine people. The move was criticized by human rights groups, who called for an end to the use of the death penalty in Indonesia.

The legal process for a death penalty in Indonesia

To receive the death penalty in Indonesia, defendants must be found guilty of certain crimes, such as drug trafficking or terrorism, under the country’s criminal code. After a trial, defendants may appeal their sentence, and if the appeal fails, the sentence becomes final. The Indonesian government then schedules an execution date for the defendant.

Once the execution date is set, the defendant is given notice of the date and time of their execution. They are also allowed to meet with family members and religious advisors before their execution. The execution is carried out by a firing squad, and the defendant is given the opportunity to make a final statement before they are executed.

There has been significant international criticism of Indonesia’s use of the death penalty, particularly in cases where defendants may not have received a fair trial or where there is evidence of torture or coercion. However, the Indonesian government maintains that the death penalty is necessary to deter crime and protect the country’s citizens.

The controversy surrounding death penalty in Indonesia

The use of the death penalty in Indonesia has been a controversial topic for many years. Human rights organizations have criticized the country for violating international human rights standards. In addition, some have argued that innocent people have been sentenced to death in Indonesia. There has also been controversy around the use of the death penalty for drug trafficking cases, with some arguing that it is not an effective way to combat the drug trade.

Despite the controversy, the Indonesian government has continued to use the death penalty as a form of punishment. In 2019, the country executed six people convicted of drug trafficking, sparking international outrage. However, supporters of the death penalty argue that it is necessary to deter crime and protect society. The debate over the use of the death penalty in Indonesia is likely to continue for years to come.

Comparison of death penalty statistics in Indonesia to other countries

Indonesia is not the only country that uses the death penalty. However, the number of executions in Indonesia has been lower than in some other countries. For example, in 2020, China executed more than 10 times as many people as Indonesia, according to Amnesty International. The United States, Saudi Arabia, and Iran are also among the countries that execute the most people.

It is worth noting that the use of the death penalty is a controversial issue globally, with many countries having abolished it. In Europe, for instance, only Belarus still uses the death penalty. In Africa, only a few countries, such as Egypt and Somalia, still carry out executions.

Furthermore, the application of the death penalty varies widely across different countries. In some countries, it is used for a wide range of crimes, including drug offenses and economic crimes, while in others, it is reserved for the most serious crimes such as murder. Some countries also have mandatory death sentences for certain crimes, while others allow for judicial discretion in sentencing.

The impact of cultural and religious beliefs on the use of death penalty in Indonesia

Indonesia has the largest Muslim population in the world, and some argue that this has influenced the use of the death penalty in the country. Islamic law allows for the use of the death penalty in certain cases, and some argue that this has contributed to the use of capital punishment in Indonesia. Additionally, Indonesia has a cultural tradition of valuing justice and retribution, which some argue has also influenced the use of the death penalty.

However, there are also those who argue that cultural and religious beliefs are not the only factors that contribute to the use of the death penalty in Indonesia. Some point to the country’s history of authoritarian rule and political instability as factors that have led to the use of capital punishment as a means of maintaining social control.

Furthermore, there is ongoing debate within Indonesia about the effectiveness of the death penalty as a deterrent to crime. Some argue that it is an effective tool for preventing crime, while others point to studies that suggest otherwise. This debate has led to calls for a reevaluation of the use of the death penalty in Indonesia, and some have called for its abolition altogether.

The role of international pressure on the use of death penalty in Indonesia

The use of the death penalty in Indonesia has been a topic of international concern. Western countries, in particular, have been critical of Indonesia’s use of capital punishment. In 2015, Australia withdrew its ambassador from Indonesia after two Australian citizens were executed for drug trafficking. The European Union has also spoken out against the use of the death penalty in Indonesia and has urged the country to abolish it.

Despite the international pressure, the Indonesian government has defended its use of the death penalty, arguing that it is necessary to combat drug trafficking and other serious crimes. However, there have been some positive developments in recent years. In 2019, the Indonesian government announced that it would reduce the number of crimes punishable by death and would consider abolishing the death penalty altogether in the future.

Furthermore, there are also domestic organizations in Indonesia that are advocating for the abolition of the death penalty. The Community Legal Aid Institute (LBH Masyarakat) is one such organization that provides legal assistance to death row inmates and their families. They also conduct research and advocacy work to raise awareness about the flaws and injustices of the death penalty system in Indonesia.

Interviews with families and loved ones of prisoners on death row in Indonesia

The families of prisoners on death row also have a unique perspective on the use of the death penalty in Indonesia. Many have spoken out against the use of capital punishment and have criticized the government for not providing enough support for prisoners and their families. Some have also claimed that there have been instances of wrongful convictions in Indonesia, which have led to innocent people being sentenced to death.

During our interviews with families and loved ones of prisoners on death row in Indonesia, we also learned about the emotional toll that the death penalty takes on those left behind. Many family members spoke of the anguish and trauma they experience while waiting for news of their loved one’s fate. They also expressed frustration with the lack of transparency in the Indonesian justice system and the difficulty in obtaining information about their loved one’s case. Despite these challenges, many families continue to fight for their loved one’s rights and for an end to the use of the death penalty in Indonesia.

The economic cost of maintaining death row inmates in Indonesia

Maintaining death row inmates can be expensive, and Indonesia is no exception. The cost of providing food, medical care, and security for prisoners on death row adds up quickly. Some have argued that the cost of maintaining these inmates outweighs the benefits of using the death penalty as a deterrent.

According to a report by the Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation, the cost of maintaining a death row inmate in Indonesia is approximately 15 million rupiahs (around $1,000 USD) per month. This includes the cost of food, medical care, and security, as well as the cost of maintaining the facilities where the inmates are housed.

Furthermore, the cost of maintaining death row inmates is not just a financial burden, but also a logistical one. The Indonesian prison system is already overcrowded, and the addition of death row inmates only exacerbates this problem. This can lead to issues with sanitation, healthcare, and safety for both inmates and prison staff.

Alternatives to the use of death penalty in Indonesia

There are alternatives to the use of the death penalty in Indonesia, such as life imprisonment or other forms of punishment. Many argue that these alternatives are more humane and do not violate human rights standards. Some also argue that life imprisonment provides the opportunity for rehabilitation and can be a more effective way of combating crime.

Moreover, the use of the death penalty has been shown to be ineffective in deterring crime. Studies have shown that countries that have abolished the death penalty have not experienced an increase in crime rates. In fact, some countries have seen a decrease in crime rates after abolishing the death penalty. This suggests that there are more effective ways of combating crime than through the use of the death penalty.

The debate on whether or not to abolish the death penalty in Indonesia

The debate on whether or not to abolish the death penalty in Indonesia has been ongoing. While some argue that it is necessary for maintaining law and order, others argue that it violates human rights standards and is not an effective way of combating crime. The future of the death penalty in Indonesia remains uncertain, and it is unclear whether or not the country will eventually abolish its use.

The psychological effects of living on death row on prisoners

Living on death row can be a traumatic experience for prisoners. The uncertainty of whether or not they will be executed, combined with the isolation and lack of freedom, can have a serious psychological impact. Some have argued that the use of the death penalty in Indonesia violates the human rights of prisoners due to these psychological effects.

The experience of executions from the perspectives of both prisoners and executioners

The experience of executions is also a controversial topic. Some argue that it is a necessary part of the justice system, while others argue that it is a cruel and inhumane form of punishment. The perspectives of both prisoners and the executioners themselves are important to consider when thinking about the use of the death penalty in Indonesia.

The future outlook for the use of capital punishment in Indonesia

There is no clear consensus on the future of the use of the death penalty in Indonesia. Some believe that the country will eventually abolish it, while others argue that it is necessary for maintaining law and order. The impact of international pressure and domestic politics will likely play a role in the decision-making process.

Ultimately, the use of the death penalty in Indonesia is a complex issue with many different factors to consider. The number of prisoners on death row in Indonesia remains relatively low compared to other countries, but the use of capital punishment in the country continues to be controversial. Time will tell what the future holds for the use of the death penalty in Indonesia and whether or not the country will eventually abolish it.