'Indonesia Steps Forward with Draft Deal for Bali Nine Repatriation to Australia

Indonesia has shared a draft agreement with Australia for the repatriation of Bali Nine inmates, aiming for resolution by December amid ongoing legal discussions.

P24 News Media

December 03, 2024

1 minute

'Indonesia Steps Forward with Draft Deal for Bali Nine Repatriation to Australia

India

The government of Indonesia has recently presented Australia with a draft proposal concerning the repatriation of the Bali Nine members who remain imprisoned, marking a notable advancement in diplomatic relations. This initiative aims to finalize the agreement by the end of December, as expressed by Indonesian Minister of Law, Yusril Ihza Mahendra, during a press conference alongside Australia's Home Affairs Minister, Tony Burke, in Jakarta.

During the conference, hope was expressed for a swift conclusion to this matter, with Yusril indicating that ongoing discussions would clarify specific issues before a final agreement can be established. The complexities surrounding the lack of appropriate legislation for prisoner transfers were acknowledged, and ongoing dialogue between officials from both nations is anticipated.

Minister Burke acknowledged the draft proposal as a vital progressive step and emphasized the goodwill displayed by Indonesia in these negotiations. He expressed his respect for the Indonesian legal framework, underlining the need for patience and humility as they navigate through unresolved matters.

The Bali Nine, initially arrested in 2005 for attempting to smuggle over 8 kilograms of heroin into Australia, have faced severe legal consequences. Currently, five members are serving life sentences, while two of their ringleaders were executed in 2015, igniting a significant diplomatic crisis between Australia and Indonesia. One member was released in 2018, and another passed away due to cancer that same year.

Reports suggest that Indonesia is also seeking to have their prisoners held in Australia repatriated as part of any potential deal. This proposal not only emphasizes the recent collaborative efforts between the two nations but also seeks to address the welfare of all involved parties in the ongoing situation.

The Bali Nine case garnered widespread media attention in Australia after video footage emerged showing members caught with drugs taped to their bodies at Denpasar airport. The Australian federal police had reportedly advised Indonesian authorities to take whatever necessary action when they were tipped off regarding the group’s activities, fully aware that such actions might expose the Australians to severe penalties.

After nearly two decades of incarceration, the remaining five Bali Nine members may soon be on the cusp of returning home, with three currently housed in Bali prisons and two in separate facilities on Java. However, the absence of a formal prisoner exchange agreement between the two nations necessitates the creation of a tailored arrangement for any repatriations to occur.

Yusril has previously mentioned that Jakarta would prefer the Bali Nine to serve their life sentences upon their return, although he acknowledged that if Australia were to grant clemency, it would be within their rights. The relationship between Australia and Indonesia in this regard appears to be evolving, especially with the backing of Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto, who has expressed a strong desire for prisoner exchanges to be implemented swiftly.

In summary, the ongoing discussions and the draft proposal signify a potentially transformative moment in the bilateral relations between Australia and Indonesia, centered around the long-standing Bali Nine case. With various diplomatic and legal hurdles still to be addressed, both countries are at a critical juncture where compassion and mutual respect may pave the way for resolution.