Indonesia mulls introduction of a ‘probationary’ death penalty

Indonesian police guard a gate at the port for access to the prison island of Nusakambangan where executions are usually carried out [File: Adi Weda/EPA]

Medan, Indonesia – When Indonesia recently unveiled the latest plans to overhaul its ageing Criminal Code, one of the articles that caught everyone’s eye was the one about the death penalty.

While Indonesia has long executed those convicted of crimes such as terrorism, murder, and drug trafficking, the draft of the new Criminal Code describes execution as a “last resort” and offers an alternative: a 10-year probationary period during which those condemned can have the sentence replaced with a life term if they meet certain conditions.