Bali police busted a drug lab run by Russians, Ukrainians. Should Indonesia execute tourists who commit serious drug crimes?

Two Ukrainians, a Russian, and an Indonesian were arrested earlier this month for running the clandestine drug lab that police said produced hydroponic marijuana, mephedrone, and cocaine out of a villa in the hip tourist area of Canggu in southern Bali.

The Ukrainian suspects, twins Ivan and Mikhayla Volovod, had obtained investor visas in September by posing as property agents. They were believed to be responsible for manufacturing the drugs while the Russian suspect, Konstantin Krutz, was in charge of marketing, Indonesian police said on May 13.

“For drug transactions, they used the Telegram application. That [site address] was plastered everywhere, a layman would see it, and they wouldn’t know, it turns out it’s a code for people to buy [drugs],” Wahyu Widada, head of the national police criminal investigation agency, said.

If found guilty, the suspects could face a minimum punishment of five years’ imprisonment and a maximum of the death penalty, as well as a fine of up to 10 billion rupiah (US$622,000).

The drug network’s operation angered many people, including Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investments Luhut Pandjaitan, who said last week the government would ban “problematic” tourists from returning.

“People who cause chaos in our country, foreign tourists who [use] drugs or [promote] online gambling or cause riots, should not be allowed to enter Indonesia again,” Luhut said in Bali on May 14.

“People will be comfortable coming to Indonesia if they are comfortable, they are protected from crimes such as drugs. Next week, I will call a meeting to develop a rule so that it is enforced.”

He added that problematic tourists included those who abuse permits, such as limited stay permits or investor visas, and