An Indonesian prosecutor has insisted on the death penalty for Australian Bali Nine drug courier Scott Rush.

Prosecutor Argitha Chandra told a panel of judges hearing Rush's appeal against the death penalty that he should be severely punished for committing a serious crime.

He dismissed testimony from former Australian Federal Police commissioner Mick Keelty, who said 24-year-old Rush's role in the foiled 2005 plot to smuggle more than eight kilograms of heroin out of Bali was minor.

Mr Keelty said Rush was just a courier and knew little about the smuggling ring.

"We don't differentiate the roles," the prosecutor said, adding that "drug smuggling is a serious threat to the image of Bali" as a tourist destination.

"Narcotics are a big danger and a transnational crime and the accused should be severely punished," he said.

The case has been adjourned until October 4, when the judges will deliver their final recommendations to the Supreme Court in Jakarta.

It could be several months before the Supreme Court rules on the case.

- ABC/AFP