Indonesia is “carefully considering” its position in relation to the execution of the Bali Nine ringleaders following a conversation between Tony Abbott and the Indonesian president, Joko Widodo, the Australian prime minister has said.
Abbott spoke to his Indonesian counterpart overnight to plead for clemency for the Australian drug traffickers Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran.
“It was a positive sign that the conversation took place,” Abbott said on Thursday morning.
“I don’t think it would help the case of these two young Australians if I was to start ventilating in public the contents of the conversation. Suffice to say that the president absolutely understands our position … and I think he is carefully considering Indonesia’s position,” he said.
“I don’t want to raise hope that might turn out to be dashed. I don’t want to reflect on Indonesia or my friend president Joko Widodo. I want to ensure that as far as is humanly possible, I am speaking out for Australians and for Australian values. But I also have to respect and defend Australia’s friendships. One of the very best of our friendships is that with Indonesia,” Abbott said.
Abbott called on Widodo to spare the duo’s lives, pointing to their rehabilitation while in Bali’s Kerobokan jail.
It is understood Abbott expressed Australia’s hope that Indonesia would show mercy to Chan and Sukumaran.
The leader of opposition business, Tony Burke, told Sky News that Labor and the Coalition “stand together” in efforts to save Chan and Sukumaran.
“There’s been complete bipartisanship and support in the way the government has been trying to seek clemency here,” Burke said.
The pair, who were caught trying to smuggle heroin in 2005 as part of the Bali Nine drug ring, are expected to be transferred in preparation for their execution after a last-ditch legal plea for clemency failed.
The ABC reported that leaders from France, Brazil and the Netherlands have called Widodo in relation to their citizens who are also facing the firing squad.
Bilateral relations have been strained since Abbott asked Indonesia to reciprocate for Australia’s aid contribution following the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami by sparing Chan and Sukumaran.
As part of a widespread backlash to Abbott’s comments, Aceh residents began a social media campaign to repay the aid.
