Trying to Save Lives of Bali Nine Duo, Tony Abbott Criticised

Liputan6.com, Jakarta The issue of 'execution' seems to have gained extensive media coverage with not just Indonesia, but international headline placing this issue as one among few of the most hotly- discussed topics so far this year.

What catches worldwide attention more is the relationship between Indonesia and Australia that is slightly damaged due to the fact that the two Australians clemencies have been rejected by President Joko 'Jokowi' Widodo and that Indonesia continues to rely heavily on its principle to give no mercy despite growing disappointment coming from many directions. Australia has resorted to many methods in trying to lobby Indonesia. Their endeavour range from the requests for moratorium to proposal of prisoner swap. Indonesia however, is final in its decision to execute the death row inmates. The Indonesian government assures no intervention or no change of plan for the execution.

The Australian Minister of Foreign Relations in Indonesia, Julie Bishop continues to fight for the lives of two Australians, Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran WHO are now on in line for the execution at reclaiming, Cilacap, Central Java. She resorts to offering Indonesia to trade the two inmates with other inmates as the last option to save the two alleged Bali Nine Ringleaders.

Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott's reminder to Indonesia regarding the US$ 1 billion donation injected for the tsunami case back in 2004 in trying to fight for the lives of two of Australian citizens now in the death row for drugs- offences surely caused some nationwide disappointment. His statement clearly shows that Australia was not giving a sincere gesture towards Indonesia during its hardship.

Responding to the statement made by Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott, the International Relations professor of Binus University, Tirta Mursitama views him as ‘playing with fire’.

“Tony Abbott surely plays with fire as soon as he made that statement directed towards the Indonesian government,” Tirta said, Menteng, Jakarta, Wednesday (07/03/2015). According to Tirta, should the relationship between Indonesia and Australia getting worse, the one who suffers the most lost would be Australia itself under the government of Tony Abbott. This can be seen as a weapon to further underestimate Australia just second to the previous pejorative statement pointing out the donation Australia made to Indonesia back in 2004. As for that matter, Tirta thinks it is best for Abbott to prevent himself from making any fatal mistake that would further deteriorate the relationship of both nations.

Seeing from the business aspect, Australia relies heavily on Indonesia in terms of its investment in natural resources. Similarly, Indonesia also enjoys Australian bred markets.

“In relation to livestock, Australian milk products, many of its customers are Indonesian. So if they want to worsen the relationship, prepare to lose some of its regular customers. Tony Abbott ought to consider the dire consequences of playing with fire with the Indonesian government,” Tirta further explained. (Akp/Ein)