'Even criminals deserve a second chance'

Indonesia has at least 66 people on death row for drug-related convictions, of whom several are undergoing lengthy appeals that may take many years. Last week's controversial execution of Indian national Ayodhya Prasadh Chaubey, 67, took place almost 10 years after a court found him guilty of smuggling 12 kg of heroin. The Jakarta Post asked some residents why they were against capital punishment.

Lucky, 20, is a waiter in Manggarai, South Jakarta, where he shares a house with friends:

However severe someone's crime is, I don't agree with sentencing them to death, especially if they truly repent and promise never do it again.

I understand we are facing an increase in drug users and drug- related crimes, but I also think we should give them a second chance. They should be given warnings, perhaps twice, and if they still violate the law, they should only be given a maximum life sentence.

We should remember that if God can forgive mankind, we should also be able to show forgiveness among ourselves.

Arwan, 27, attends a cigarette kiosk on Jl. Perdatam, South Jakarta, where he also lives:

I think this country is making a big mistake in sending people before the firing squad. Why? Because some of those sentenced to death are Indonesians, our own brothers and sisters who needed money, a better life than the one this country can give us.

So they took a shortcut -- they distributed drugs. I think they only did it for the money, not to take the drugs themselves.

A harsh punishment is necessary to deter foreigners from coming here and poisoning us all with drugs, but a life sentence is enough. They will be more useful alive, as they can help the police.

--The Jakarta Post