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November 22, 2024 | 11:37 am
TEMPO.CO, Yogyakarta - The death row convict in a drug smuggling case, Mary Jane Veloso, has been informed about the plans for her return to the Philippines in mid-December 2024. The Indonesian and Philippine governments have agreed on the prisoner transfer policy.
Mary Jane, detained since 2010, is still engaged in activities at the Class IIB Women's Penitentiary (Lapas) in Yogyakarta, Wonosari, Gunungkidul. She expressed her gratitude to all parties who have worked to facilitate her transfer to her home country.
"To the President of the Philippines, the President of the Republic of Indonesia, as well as the Coordinating Minister for Legal, Human Rights, Immigration, and Penitentiary Affairs, who have been used by God as the intermediary of prayers for my return to my home country," said Mary in her written statement read by the Head of the Class IIB Women's Penitentiary in Yogyakarta, Evi Loliancy, during a press conference at Lapas Gunungkidul on Thursday, November 21, 2024.
In addition, Mary also expressed her gratitude to Father Bernhard Kieser, who has been her spiritual guide all this time.
Evi stated that Mary was already aware of the news of her planned return. She mentioned that Mary was pleased because she had been waiting for her return for 15 years.
"Mary Jane expresses her gratitude to God because she has been waiting for this news for a long time, around 15 years," she said.
Mary Jane Veloso has been detained at Lapas Gunung Kidul since April 2010. She is a drug case convict with a death sentence.
Evi added that Mary admitted to being very happy because she could reunite with her family in the Philippines. "She is already very happy to hear that there is an opportunity for her to return and gather with her family," Evi said, mimicking Mary's words.
Mary, according to Evi, once felt her life was in ruins after receiving the death sentence, which the Supreme Court later upheld. However, she feels she has found a new life after the government postponed her execution in 2015.
"Now she is more enthusiastic about facing life and feels much better than the early days of her detention. Especially after hearing the news (of her return)," she said.
Previously, the Indonesian and Philippine governments had agreed on transferring prisoners, or the transfer of prisoners, regarding Mary Jane Veloso. Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration and Correctional Institutions Yusril Ihza Mahendra stated that Mary will continue to serve her sentence in her home country. Yusril also mentioned that Indonesia would benefit from similar prisoner transfers if there are Indonesian citizens detained in the Philippines.
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