Background

Two decades ago, Merri Utami was sentenced to death in Indonesia for secretly importing drugs into the country.  Omitted during her trial was the fact that she was actually the victim of professional drug traffickers.  Unbeknownst to Utami, the allegedly smuggled drugs were hidden in a purse given to her by a romantic interest, who disappeared upon her arrest.  In 2016, Utami, now a grandmother, was transferred to Indonesia’s “Execution Island,” where she came within hours of death by firing squad before being unceremoniously returned to her prison cell.  Her death sentence remains in effect and her fate is still unclear.  

Harm Reduction International partnered with Luceo to develop a short animated video to explain Utami’s story and draw attention to her unjustifiable prosecution and sentencing.

Services Rendered

• Concept

• Illustration and Design

• Copywriting

• Video Production

• Video Post-production

• Motion Graphics and Animation

Deliverables

A three-minute animated explainer video of Utami’s story (featuring Indonesian voice talent) for use in HRI’s advocacy materials.

Results

A change.org petition demanding clemency for Utami has now been signed by nearly 75,000 people worldwide.  Her case continues to be featured by Harm Reduction International and the Cornell Center on the Death Penalty Worldwide.