Indonesian Ministers are now on board with not killing those on death row

Well, the Indonesian Government says that they will proceed with the executions of Bali Nine members Myuran Sukumaran and Andrew Chan.  However it has to be noted that earlier in the week Australia's Grand Mufti urged Indonesia not to, as has Virgin founder Sir Richard Branson.  Australia's Government Ministers and the Prime Minister Tony Abbott have made it very clear that the killings should not take place.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo and his Attorney General H.M. Prasetyo are remaining adamant they will not grant clemency.  They have delayed the shootings for several weeks now citing legal reasons.  Prior to the delays several media organisations in Australia started questioning whether or not they were using the oldest trick in the book - do nothing and hope people forget.  It looks that way.  My guess is that the prisoners will remain on Nusa Kambangan until the heat dies down and will then be moved back to Kerobekan Prison in Bali.

The Sydney Morning Herald today reported that President Widodo has no experience in foreign affairs.  It shows.  Someone adept at dealing with other nations and cultures would have either explained why the killings will proceed or at least backed down.  For some reason Indonesian MPs have been disrespectful to Australia and other governments, even going so far as to say it is none of our business.  As Chan and Sukumaran are Australian citizens it is every bit our business.  It is our government's duty to protect Australian citizens.

It has come to light that several allies of Widodo are urging him not to go ahead.  He is yet to be convinced but this is the most promising sign so far that the termination of lives won't happen.