Death row Aussies inspire Bali inmates

Indonesian ex-inmates have credited Myuran Sukumaran and Andrew Chan for much of the rehabilitation they received in Kerobokan prison.

Indonesians who turned their lives around with the help of Myuran Sukumaran and Andrew Chan believe the pair should be spared from execution so they can reach hundreds more.

One success story, Dayu, has gone from Kerobokan inmate to the top of her class in 12 months.

She was just 16 when the Indonesian courts gave her four years and three months in jail as punishment for drug use.

If that wasn't scary enough for the teenager, riots broke out, creating a "second hell", she says, with no power or water.

She was at her lowest point when she discovered Sukumaran's art class.

With his guidance, she surprised herself: she could paint.

"I would lose track of time," she says.

"I felt I was no longer in the jail."

With the initiative of Chan and Sukumaran, Kerobokan jail now has a computer room, cooking school, and guest classes from experts in yoga, dance, reflexology and philosophy.

Lawyers seeking a review of their death sentences will urge the courts to consider their rehabilitation over the past decade, and how they're inspiring other inmates to change.

Some, like Dayu, find self-esteem and purpose.

She's back on track to becoming an accountant and the future looks bright.

Except for the thought that "Master Myu" could soon be executed.

"If someone can change so much, why can't they be deserving of a second chance?" she says.

For others, the art studio provides job skills.

Keyenk sells his paintings - fluorescent pop art creations - on the Legian tourist strip.

And behind the store, a community of former students meets to support each other through the ups and downs of life after jail.

Keyenk and his friends, who served time for assault and drug use, were downcast after saying perhaps their final goodbye to Sukumaran.

"I can't imagine what it would be like (without him)," he said.

"He's not a doctor, he's been sentenced to death.

"But the rehabilitation he has introduced is better than any psychologist."

While Keyenk gives a spirited defence of his friends, Anna weeps.

With Sukumaran's encouragement, the 56-year-old discovered new talents in jail.

Painting brings her such contentment, she says she will never use marijuana again.

She now holds a full-time job, and relishes being a new grandma.

Any spare moments are spent praying that President Joko Widodo will reconsider Sukumaran and Chan's cases for clemency.

"Don't only listen to what's said here and there, see for yourself," Anna would tell the president.

"See their kindness, and who is it for?

"For the development of the Indonesian people. For our future.

"If the government had a heart, it wouldn't do this".


Share

3 min read

Published

Updated


Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Download our apps
SBS News
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
An overview of the day's top stories from SBS News
Interviews and feature reports from SBS News
Your daily ten minute finance and business news wrap with SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves.
A daily five minute news wrap for English learners and people with disability
Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS
SBS World News

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service
Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world