Antisceptic;
I actually think Marijuana should be legalized.
However, Indonesia disagrees and it thus becomes a matter of respecting their laws- and that includes what age they regard someone as legally responsible for their actions.

And no double standard Pelican- the kid allegedly flaunted his purchase in front of many onlookers and simply raised his chances of being caught with evidence enough to warrant arrest.
If that wasn't enough, this link demonstrates that Indonesia is actually very consistent in its drug arrests and the 'racism' claim is bunk;
In 2009, a total of 107 non-nationals were arrested for a drug offense, while 38,066 Indonesians were arrested.

http://www.apaic.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=58&Itemid=71&limitstart=2

pelican,
a 14 year old is not a child & therefore should not be treated as one. Today's youth have far more information at hand than when we were 14. As a matter of fact I started my apprenticeship at that age & haven't stopped working since. I knew at 10 that smoking dope was illegal & didn't do it. I did have a smoke at 22 simply to find out for myself what the proponents were on about. I didn't like the idea then & still feel that way now. Youngsters of today simply cannot plead ignorance anymore as far as drugs go. Same goes for stealing. If they didn't know it was wrong they wouldn't try & deny it would they ? A 14 year old in Bali more likely than not is half supporting his family.

Pelican I'm with individual, but would go further. It is about time we got rid of the kid gloves when treating delinquents, no matter how young. I hear stories of young hoods quiting the law to the cops, effectively telling them that they are powerless.

People are being beaten & injured by even preteens, with offenders virtually untouchable.

A bit more Indonesian justice, on our streets may be a damn good idea.

Well, it seems that nobody can tell me what harm I've likely suffered as a result of smoking cannabis for the past 30 years or so.

So why does the kid in Bali need to be locked up?

Anti in part to support you I admit I had, before my last two jobs smoked a lot of it.
Australian Truck drivers use far worse.
And have from about 1950.
But in another country, known for its harsh laws, the kid is a fool.
And he may well be, just that, an under achiever who fails to think.
He must know he is getting far more help than those we dropped on to death row over there,great job Federal police.
Sorry but there are users and users.
Some who over use are dead from the chin up.
Some are purely paranoid and will be forever.
For every it never hurt me story a human wreckage one can be found.
Well not it may be more like 20 good to one very bad.
I would not risk a 14 year old kid.

I heard on the news that they were moving the lad from deplorable conditions to another suitable place - translation " were moving the boy from cockroach infested conditions to a better place - rat infested conditions, at least his diet will be better cause rats are tastier"
Comment by tourist on barrier reef. “ I was thinking of going to Bali because it’s dirt cheap BUT… what price your safety, what piece of mind when most of the officials are corrupt, [ gee - sounds like Queensland ] you could be framed for anything because you are not delirious happy with everything. Because of human rights concerns, I won’t go near any near east, middle east, or far eastern country in a fit – I value my personal freedom more and don’t want to risk being bombed by people who get a slap on the wrist by authorities for killing a score of tourists. Stuff Bali and that region of the planet in general. If I had 2 lifetimes and a bucket load of money, I still wouldn’t be able to cover most of this big beautiful land and see all it’s wonders – why the hell do I won’t to go overseas and see something I can experience in an IMAX theatre and be certain I won’t get bombed, or shot, or mugged, or arrested for spitting on the footpath, then thrown in jail without representation, denied my rights, framed for a minor crime, convicted in absentia and sentenced to death ?.