International law review on the implementation of the death penalty for foreign citizens involved in drug crimes in Indonesia

Published: Apr 25, 2025

Abstract:

Purpose: The main focus of this study is to examine the national legal basis used by Indonesia in imposing the death penalty, as well as assessing the suitability of the implementation of this punishment with international legal obligations and standards, especially those related to the protection of human rights.

Research Methodology: Using qualitative methods and a normative legal approach, involving the analysis of various legal documents, documented cases, and academic literature. This study also discusses how international law, such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), and the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, influences the implementation of the death penalty in Indonesia, especially in cases involving foreign nationals.

Results: It also finds that although the implementation of the death penalty for foreign nationals in Indonesia has a strong legal basis in national law, there are several issues and challenges that need to be considered from an international law perspective. Some of these include compliance with fair trial standards, protection of human rights, and diplomatic responses from the convict's country of origin. In addition, international pressure and criticism from human rights organizations highlight the need for a re-evaluation of the death penalty policy, especially in the context of drug cases.

Suggestions: Then suggest the need for reform of the death penalty policy in Indonesia by considering a more humane approach and in accordance with international standards.

Keywords:
1. Death Penalty
2. Foreign Nationals
3. Drug Crimes
4. International Law
5. Human Rights
Authors:
1 . Andrey Bekti Sejati
2 . Tiarsen Buaton
3 . Yusak Andri Ende Putra
How to Cite
Sejati, A. B., Buaton, T., & Putra, Y. A. E. (2025). International law review on the implementation of the death penalty for foreign citizens involved in drug crimes in Indonesia. Annals of Justice and Humanity, 2(2), 99–113. https://doi.org/10.35912/ajh.v2i2.2842

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References

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    Atmasasmita, R. (2001). Reformasi hukum, hak asasi manusia & penegakan hukum: Mandar maju.

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    Mwesigwa, D. (2021b). Towards enhancing local citizen participation in Uganda. Dynamics of Politics and Democracy, 1(1), 15-28. doi:https://doi.org/10.35912/dpd.v1i1.449

    Olajubu, A. (2022). Democracy in Jeopardy: An Analysis of the Prospects of Opposition Political Parties in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic. Dynamics of Politics and Democracy, 1(2), 125-134. doi:https://doi.org/10.35912/dpd.v1i2.1471

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    Tarasari, N., & Nasywa, Z. (2021). Alternative settlement of dispute between Israel and Palestine. Annals of Justice and Humanity, 1(1), 21-27. doi:https://doi.org/10.35912/ajh.v1i1.1382

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  1. ACLU. (2007). The Death Penalty: Questions and Answers. Retrieved from https://www.aclu.org/documents/death-penalty-questions-and-answers
  2. Atmasasmita, R. (2001). Reformasi hukum, hak asasi manusia & penegakan hukum: Mandar maju.
  3. Chirozva, L., & Damba, R. (2021). The law of treaties in Africa: Exploring the Southern African development community mutual defence pact. Annals of Justice and Humanity, 1(1), 11-20. doi:https://doi.org/10.35912/ajh.v1i1.781
  4. Khan, M. M. R., & Sultana, R. (2021). Shift in the role of criminology in criminal law: Reflecting the doctrinal change. Annals of Justice and Humanity, 1(1), 1-10. doi:https://doi.org/10.35912/ajh.v1i1.708
  5. Levin, L. S. (2012). Human rights: questions and answers: Unesco.
  6. Lubis, E. I. (2012). Perkembangan Isu Hukuman Mati Di Indonesia.
  7. MD, M. M. (2006). Membangun Politik Hukum, Menegakkan Konstitusi. Retrieved from
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  9. Mwesigwa, D. (2021b). Towards enhancing local citizen participation in Uganda. Dynamics of Politics and Democracy, 1(1), 15-28. doi:https://doi.org/10.35912/dpd.v1i1.449
  10. Olajubu, A. (2022). Democracy in Jeopardy: An Analysis of the Prospects of Opposition Political Parties in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic. Dynamics of Politics and Democracy, 1(2), 125-134. doi:https://doi.org/10.35912/dpd.v1i2.1471
  11. Reksodiputro, M. (1997). Hak asasi manusia dalam sistem peradilan pidana. Jakarta: UI-Press.
  12. Saputri, A. I. (2020). International Legal Perspective on the Implementation of the Death Penalty Case Study of Mary Jane Fiesta Veloso. The Digest: Journal of Jurisprudence and Legisprudence, 1(2), 163-196. doi:https://doi.org/10.15294/digest.v1i2.48628
  13. Schimmel, A. (2004). The empire of the great Mughals: History, art and culture: Reaktion Books.
  14. Sujono, A. R., & Daniel, B. (2011). Komentar & pembahasan Undang-Undang nomor 35 tahun 2009 Tentang Narkotika. Retrieved from
  15. Tarasari, N., & Nasywa, Z. (2021). Alternative settlement of dispute between Israel and Palestine. Annals of Justice and Humanity, 1(1), 21-27. doi:https://doi.org/10.35912/ajh.v1i1.1382
  16. Undang-undang (UU) Nomor 35 Tahun 2009 tentang Narkotika.