Opinion split on death, chemical castration for paedophiles

New punishments for child sex offenders including death penalty and castration to punish child rapists sparked a national debate in Indonesia.

The presidential decree which was signed by Indonesian President Joko Widodo on Thursday brings the new punishments immediately into effect although parliament could later overturn it.

According to Jokowi, the administrative order is a response to increasing sexual violence against children.

"I have declared that sexual offenses against children are an extraordinary crime, because they threaten and endanger the lives of children," Jokowi said.

READ: Indonesia introduces death, chemical castration for paedophiles

The debate reaches Malaysia where netizens discuss the relevance and effectiveness of such a punishment.

Most netizens pointed out the cruelty of sexual offence warrants heavy punishments such as death penalty and castration.

They also claimed mental factor plays a big role in child rape and castration is a more effective punishment compared to imprisonment.

Arguments for the punishments - Facebook/Astro AWANI pix

There are also netizens with opposing views which value the sanctity of life, arguing that death penalty is not an appropriate punishment for child rapists.

Netizens also claimed castration would not be able to effectively stop sexual offenders as they would always find a way to satisfy their urge.

Argument against the punishments - Facebook/Astro AWANI

The new punishments include chemical castration for pedophiles, the use of electronic monitoring bracelets, and publication of offender identities.