'The death sentence is no joke'

The execution of 67-year-old Indian national Ayodhya Prasadh Chaubey in Medan, North Sumatra, last week for drug smuggling remains controversial. Some people support capital punishment, and say it should also be applied to big-time corruptors. Meanwhile others oppose it in the name of humanity. The Jakarta Post talked to some Jakarta residents about the issue.

Husodo, 32, an employee of a wholesaler in East Jakarta. He lives with his family in Rawamangun, also in East Jakarta:

In my opinion, for Chaubey to die before a firing squad is acceptable. He must have known from the start that his drug business was illegal when he first arrived in Indonesia.

He knew the risks, including the possibility of getting the death penalty. He made his choice anyway, so he should pay for it.

Maybe many drug dealers think that Indonesia's legal system can be bought off. Therefore, the execution of Chaubey should serve as a deterrent for other traffickers, and show them that the death sentence is not a joke.

Novy Lumanauw, 37, is a PR consultant whose office is in Cipete, South Jakarta. She lives in Central Jakarta:

I strongly support the death penalty for drug traffickers as this will help break up the syndicates. The government should show that they are serious about curbing drugs in this country.

Drugs have the potential to destroy the younger generation, and pose a threat to the futures of us all. Therefore, all the dealers, from the top to the bottom, must be dealt with.

Capital punishment should also be applied to corruptors as they steal the public's money, which should be used to improve the people's welfare. The money is not intended to allow them to enrich themselves and their families.

-- The Jakarta Post