PM cautions against Indonesia boycotts

Thousands have taken to Twitter to express sadness and anger at the execution of Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran.

Prime Minister Tony Abbott has cautioned Australians against economic boycotts of Indonesia, after social media erupted with anger over the executions of Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran.

People are expressing their anger and sadness at the men's deaths on Twitter under the hashtags boycottindonesia and istandformercy.

Announcing the recall of Australia's ambassador to Jakarta while describing himself as a friend of Indonesia, Mr Abbott said he understood people's anger.

"On the other hand, we do not want to make a difficult situation worse and the relationship between Australia and Indonesia is important, remains important, will always be important, will become more important as time goes by," he said.

"While this is a dark moment in the relationship I am confident that the relationship will be restored for the great benefit of both our countries."

On Twitter and using the hashtag istandformercy, more than 54,000 people have tweeted over the past 24 hours.

"Heartsick this morning with the news of the execution letters. My thoughts are with all on death row. Sorrow," said @liztynanTSV.

@xonive said: "A senseless loss of reformed men, my heart goes out to Andrew & Myurans families. Lives lost, nothing gained. #Istandformercy"

More than 5000 people have taken to twitter to urge boycott Indonesia and it's island province Bali.

"Don't agree with the death penalty? Don't travel," wrote @em_farrelly, while @krrabeckley said "You gave them 10 years rehabilitation and took their lives away. I know 1 place I'll never visit, condolences to the family."

Others made accusations of hypocrisy at Indonesia for executing drug runners while letting members of the 2002 Bali Bombing terror group free from jail.

Some Indonesians have also taken part in the social media outrage.

"If Australians do not even put any respect in Indonesia's law then we won't put any respect on your people here," said @c_putranto under his own hashtag boycottAustralia.

Opposition Leader Bill Shorten acknowledged Australians had the right to be angry and outraged, but rejected talk of boycotts.

"I don't and we shouldn't hold ordinary or individual Indonesian people responsible," he told reporters in Melbourne."

"What Australians need to do is campaign against the death penalty wherever it exists."


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Source: AAP


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