3 months ago
68
December 15, 2024 | 05:24 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesia's Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Corrections Yusril Ihza Mahendra revealed that three countries have submitted requests for prisoner transfers, namely the Philippines, Australia, and France. The process with the Philippines and Australia, including the repatriation of drug convict Mary Jane and members of the Bali Nine, is ongoing.
According to Yusril, the draft conditions for the repatriation of the Bali Nine members have been submitted to Australia for study. If Australia agrees or provides input on the draft, further discussions will be held until an agreement is reached. Yusril said that if the Australian Government immediately agrees to the conditions from Indonesia, the transfer of the Bali Nine can be carried out in December this year.
The process of transferring the Bali Nine and Mary Jane is different. Mary Jane, who is on death row, has not been executed by Indonesia so her transfer is more complex. In contrast, the remaining members of the Bali Nine are serving life sentences.
Bali Nine refers to nine Australians involved in a 8.2 kilogram heroin smuggling case in Bali in 2005. Of the nine prisoners, two, Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran, were executed in 2015. Meanwhile, Renae Lawrence was released in 2018, and Tan Duc Thanh Nguyen died while serving a life sentence in the same year.
Currently, the five remaining members of the Bali Nine in Indonesia are Si Yi Chen, Michael Czugaj, Matthew Norman, Scott Rush, and Martin Stephens. Their transfer process to Australia depends on the decision of the Australian Government. Yusril hopes that this step can be completed soon, with the hope that there will be an agreement between the two countries to transfer the prisoners according to international legal procedures.
Mary Jane and Bali Nine Transfer Process
Yusril Ihza Mahendra explained that the Indonesian government is following up on the President's direction regarding requests from several friendly countries to transfer their citizens serving sentences in Indonesia. Three countries, namely the Philippines, Australia, and France, have submitted official requests. Of the three, negotiations with the Philippines and Australia have made significant progress, with the Philippines having signed an agreement, while those with Australia are still in the process of being finalized.
However, Yusril acknowledged that there were a number of obstacles in the negotiations with Australia. He is optimistic that this problem can be resolved soon, with a target of completion in the next few days or weeks. In addition, he said that the Bali Nine case is also almost finished. The government hopes that all prisoner transfer processes, including with the Philippines and Australia, can be completed before Christmas.
In a previous meeting with Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke, Yusril submitted a draft of prisoner transfer requirements to the Australian government. The draft has been reviewed by the Australian Embassy in Jakarta. Yusril said that neither Indonesia nor Australia have specific regulations regarding prisoner transfers, so a practical agreement is needed as a solution.
He added that a similar draft has also been submitted to the Philippine government for the Mary Jane case, which received a positive response. On the other hand, Australia still needs time to study the draft. One of the main requirements put forward by Indonesia is respect for state sovereignty.
Yusril is optimistic that this agreement will be realized soon, considering that both parties are committed to completing negotiations in the near future. Thus, the transfer of prisoners can be carried out in accordance with the agreed provisions.
Dani Aswara contributed to this article.
Editor's Choice: Indonesia Preps Repatriation of Prisoners from Philippines, Australia, and France
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Bali Students Win Monash University's 'Change It Challenge', Head to Global Finals
20 jam lalu
Students from Taman Rama Intercultural School Bali has won the Change It Challenge organized by Monash University Indonesia
Indonesia Preps Repatriation of Prisoners from Philippines, Australia, and France
1 hari lalu
Yusril explained that the initiation of these prisoner repatriation processes was at the request of President Prabowo Subianto.
Australian Tourist Arrested for Setting Fire at Changi Airport
1 hari lalu
The Singapore Police Force arrested an Australian man on Thursday, Dec. 12, after he allegedly set fire to curtains at Changi Airport.
China Says Philippines Has 'Provoked Trouble' in South China Sea with U.S. Backing
2 hari lalu
China accused the Philippines on Friday of having "provoked trouble" in the South China Sea with U.S. backing.
Indonesian Military Announces Major Reshuffle, Replaces Defense Attaches in 10 Countries
5 hari lalu
Armed Forces Commander General Agus Subiyanto announced a major reshuffle involving 300 high-ranking military officers.
Environmentalists Say Cruise Ships Contribute to the Destruction of Australia's Great Barrier Reef
7 hari lalu
Whitsunday Conservation Council stated that cruise ships produce contaminated wastewater and CO2 emissions, which are discharged into the Great Barrier Reef.
Australia-Indonesia Cooperation in Renewable Energy Sector Using Weather Data
9 hari lalu
Australia and Indonesia agreed to collaborate to enhance renewable energy planning through the effective utilization of weather data.
6 Countries Implementing the 4-Day Work Week
9 hari lalu
The concept of a four-day work week applied by these six countries offers an approach that balances the professional and personal needs of employees.
Australian Apartment Living May Have a More Child-friendly Future
10 hari lalu
In the midst of a housing crisis and a cost of living crisis, Australia is increasingly looking to higher-density living as part of the solution.
Indonesian Minister Yusril Says Prisoner Transfer Agreement with Australia Should Be Reciprocal
11 hari lalu
Indonesian Coordinating Minister Yusril Ihza Mahendra & Australian Minister Tony Burke discussed plans for prisoner transfer agreement
