Indonesia has some of the strictest drug laws in the world, and recently they entered a diplomatic tizzy because they decided to execute nine foreigners involved in a heroin-smuggling ring. Amongst the nine was a Filipina named Mary Jane Veloso, who was spared at the last minute due to an appeal from the Philippines president.

Ate Neneng asked me about it today because, according to her, Veloso was innocent. I asked how did she know, and she responded because Veloso and her family said she was. They claim Veloso didn't understand the language and didn't realize she was moving drugs around. I pressed Ate Neneng further: How do you know she's not lying? Because the family says so. How do you know the family's not lying? Because she was tricked. Do you know her? No. Do you know the family? No. Do you know if they're good people? No. So how do you know they don't take drugs? No answer. How do you know they're not liars? No answer.

Again, Veloso may be telling the truth, but considering the punishment for your actions is a firing squad, I would lie too in that situation. Both she and the Indonesian government have believable statements. Can I see an innocent immigrant looking for work getting caught up in a drug gang? Yes. Can I also see a Filipina selling drugs? Yes. That's why I have no opinion on the case.

I feel though people don't usually think things through and just identify with random people because they share some common background. Ate Neneng only cared about the Veloso but did not show any concern for the other eight prisoners, who were actually executed. But she's not alone: People will stand behind someone because they go to church, are black, are women, are the same nationality, attended the same school, are from a small town... I usually try to give people the benefit of the doubt in most cases because I don't like seeing the worst in people, but simultaneously I admit shit happens. If both sides seem reasonable, I can't just agree with one because we're similar.