Indonesia executes drug convicts

Combination file pictures of Australian Myuran Sukumaran (L) on January 24, 2006 and compatriot Andrew Chan on October 13, 2005 in Denpasar district court in Bali. [Photo/Agencies]

"In the ten years since they were arrested, they did all they could to make amends, helping many others."

Jakarta rejected last-ditch pleas from around the world for clemency to be granted to the eight drug traffickers, although a Filipina on death row with them was unexpectedly spared.

A spokesman for the Attorney General's Office said it had delayed the execution of Mary Jane Veloso, a housemaid and mother of two who was arrested in 2010 after she arrived in Indonesia with 2.6 kg of heroin hidden in her suitcase.

He said the delay was in response to a request from Manila after an employment recruiter, whom Veloso had accused of planting the drugs in her luggage, gave herself up to police in the Philippines on Tuesday.

Supporters holding a vigil for Veloso outside the Indonesian embassy in Manila cheered and clapped on hearing the news.

Rights group Amnesty International said the executions were "utterly reprehensible" and showed disregard for due process.

In Australia and around the world, supporters of those executed expressed sadness, shock and anger on social media.