Bali 9 Executions: Sukumaran Informed Via Codes To Flee Indonesia

Bali Nine ringleader, executed Myuran Sukumaran had been informed through a code system about the arrest of four members of the group but instead of fleeing Indonesia, he chose to head back to his hotel to plan on saving two members who were previously arrested. He was selfless and he cared about his men.

Bali Nine ringleaders were unlike any other law offenders. Almost a week after their execution by firing squad in Indonesia, there is still so much to tell about the Australian drug smuggling masterminds. Instead of escaping death for example, Myuran Sukumaran, stood by his members.

In a message posted on Facebook by Tan Duc Thanh Nguyen, Bali Nine’s third in command, Nguyen wrote that his memory of Sukumaran was the fact that he was genuinely concerned about the plight of Bali Nine. He did not panic and abscond.

Nguyen narrated what happened on April 17, 2005 prior to their arrest. He confessed he was with Sukumaran at Bluefin in Kuta. Sukumaran was forewarned, through a code system, of the arrest of four members — Scott Rush, Renae Lawrence, Michale Czugaj and Martin Stephens — who were apprehended at Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali for having found on their possession heroin.

Nguyen elaborated that through the use of codes, other members are alerted of any perils on their job and hence, should leave the country. But Sukumaran was different.

“Myu didn’t pack up and left the country. No. He went back to the hotel where the other two were waiting. Moved them somewhere else, and telling them the most important thing at the moment was getting them out of the country safely. Calming them down and be aware what’s happening,” Nguyen wrote.

Earlier, it was reported that Andrew Chan had also the chance of saving himself from execution when a riot in Kerobokan prison erupted and left Chan’s cell unlocked. But like Sukumaran, Chan decided against stowing away to avoid inflicting severe punishment to other foreigner prisoners.

But between Chan and Sukumaran, the latter had greater chance of escaping as Indonesian authorities did not know his real name, although he was under surveillance. Analysts said Sukumaran and Chan were government’s ‘pawns’ and their death was collateral damage. Hours after they were executed, Prime Minister Tony Abbott announced withdrawal of Australia’s ambassador to Indonesia, igniting various criticisms.

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