President Joko Widodo ‘Carefully Considering Position’ On Bali Nine’s Execution Case, PM Tony Abbott Says

Indonesian President Joko Widodo is “carefully considering” the country’s position on the two Australians on death row. Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott said he called the president on Wednesday night to appeal for his compassion to save Bali Nine pair Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran from execution.

The Australian government has been continuously reaching out to Indonesia to spare the lives of its two citizens, who were arrested in 2005 for planning to smuggle 8.4 kg of heroin to Australia. Chan and Sukumaran were denied clemency in January and are included in the next batch of execution.

Mr Abbott, following his controversial and highly criticised “reminder” about the country’s $1 billion tsunami aid to Indonesia, seemed to want to make up for the ruckus that he has caused. He called his Indonesian counterpart to personally ask him about Chan and Sukumaran’s looming fate. Cautious with his words, the PM faced reporters in Canberra on Thursday to inform the public that he had been in touch with Mr Widodo.

“It was a positive sign that the conversation took place,” he said. “The fact that the president of Indonesia and the prime minister of Australia can talk candidly about these issues is a sign of the strength of their relationship and it’s a sign of the depth of the friendship between Australia and Indonesia.”

He refused to reveal the details of their conversation, though, explaining that doing so might cause more harm to Chan and Sukumaran’s case. However, he firmly stated that Mr Widodo was sympathetic to the two Australians’ plight.

“Suffice to say, the president absolutely understands our position. Absolutely understands our position, and I think he is carefully considering Indonesia’s position.”

Thousands of angry Indonesians recently took part in a campaign aiming to pay back the $1 billion tsunami aid from Australia after Mr Abbott urged Indonesia to “reciprocate” the assistance they provided when the Southeast Asian country was devastated by the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami. The still ongoing #CoinForAbbott or #CoinForAustralia intends to reach the hefty amount by donating $1 to the cause.

The Australian leader appeared to have taken back his words later, claiming that it was just a “reminder” to Indonesians that Australia contributed and helped them during the time of need.