Mary Jane Veloso’s Repatriation: A Crucial Step Toward Abolishing the Death Penalty in Indonesia

Despite her reprieve in 2015, Veloso remained on death row for nearly a decade, her fate hanging in the balance. The Indonesian government’s decision to repatriate her is a recognition of the importance of upholding human rights, particularly the right to life and fair trial standards. It is also an acknowledgment of the growing global movement toward the abolition of the death penalty.

Indonesia’s commitment to reforming its stance on capital punishment would be a significant shift in the country’s legal landscape. As of now, 113 countries worldwide have abolished the death penalty in all cases, while 56 countries, including Indonesia, continue to impose it. Amnesty International has long called for the global abolition of capital punishment, and the repatriation of Veloso should be seen as an opportunity for Indonesia to take concrete steps in this direction.

Usman Hamid urged the Indonesian government to follow the example of other nations that have abolished the death penalty and establish an official moratorium on executions. “A moratorium on executions would be a vital first step toward the complete abolition of the death penalty. It would also reflect Indonesia’s commitment to the protection of human rights and its alignment with international norms,” he stated.

The global trend toward the abolition of the death penalty is undeniable. The United Nations has adopted numerous resolutions calling for a worldwide ban on executions, and countries that maintain the death penalty are increasingly isolated. “Indonesia has an opportunity to be on the right side of history by taking bold action and leading the way in the region toward the abolition of the death penalty,” Hamid emphasized.