[Spinner77]

Wouldn't want to speak too soon, but there may be signs of a spine in Canberra that is not taking the insults lightly.

Today's papers say things that could only come from the government.

First, some Australians — this must mean people like ministers or maybe former PMs — had persuaded both Widodo's predecessor as president as well as his opponent for the presidency (a Lieutenant-General from the Java elite) to advise Widodo not to proceed with the executions.

This tells the Indonesian public that it was all Widodo's own work, and that he ignored the advice of people who matter there, who might know a bit more.

This will not help his political standing.

The second thing was that Indonesia was thought by Australia to be in breach of an international treaty that reserves the death penalty for only the most serious crimes. This overrides domestic laws.

The matter could be brought before the International Court. Indonesia seems in the interesting position of having a judge on the court, but has not accepted compulsory jurisdiction. Widodo will of course have to say no. A bit of an embarrassment if you are happy to have a judge on the court.

So on both counts Widodo comes out losing face, and looking like a bit of country yokel, in a job too big for him.

Not the best recipe for success in Asian politics.