Temper Trap Frontman 'Absolutely Ashamed' At Bali Nine Outcome

The Temper Trap frontman Dougy Mandagi has expressed his sadness and disappointment over the outcome of the extensive and high-profile Mercy Campaign for the lives of convicted Bali Nine smugglers Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran, saying he is "absolutely ashamed" by President Joko Widodo's continual decisions to deny the pair clemency.

In a post on Facebook this morning, Mandagi — who has become close friends with Chan over the past decade — conveyed his shock on what he described as "a sad, sad day for humanity" after reading that the men had been transferred to the island of Nusakambangan this morning ahead of their imminent executions, alluding to the idea that the world prides itself on delusions of civility and advancement while injustice is allowed to rot its core.

"Today my heart breaks for humanity," Mandagi wrote. "On one hand, we have accomplished and advanced so much through science and the rapid growth of technology but on the other hand we are still crippled with injustice!

"As I read the news of the transfer of my friend Andrew Chan … this feeling has never hit closer to home. I am totally in shock at the outcome of all this. I really thought that things would be different. Right now, my thoughts and prayers go out to both Andrew and Myu and their families and loved ones."

Mandagi, who has been one of Chan and Sukumaran's most vocal supporters in recent times, went on to voice his broad disapproval of Indonesian president Joko Widodo, aka Jokowi, as a result of his unwillingness to show leniency to the two men, saying, "It worries me greatly that this is the man the Indonesian people have chosen to lead them into a better future."

"Being Australian of Indonesian background, I am absolutely ashamed at the Indonesian president's persistence on state-sanctioned murder for the purpose of winning a popularity contest nonetheless," he wrote.

You can read the post in full below.

The Australian creative community has been particularly active in demonstrating support for Chan and Sukumaran, with artist Ben Quilty having spearheaded the months-long Mercy Campaign that aspired to save their lives. A series of mercy vigils was held last month for Chan and Sukumaran in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth, with live performances coming from the likes of Mahalia Barnes, Chamal Fernando, Clare Bowditch, Bob Evans, Missy Higgins, Mick Thomas, Abbe May and Kav Temperley.