Indonesia is preparing to return several foreign prisoners, including high-profile detainees from the Philippines, Australia, and France, by the end of the year. This move was confirmed by senior minister Yusril Ihza Mahendra on Thursday.
Mary Jane Veloso’s Case
One of the most anticipated returns is that of Mary Jane Veloso, a Filipina who narrowly escaped execution in 2015. Veloso was arrested in 2010 for smuggling 2.6 kilograms (5.7 pounds) of heroin concealed in her suitcase. She has maintained her innocence, claiming she was duped by a recruiter. Her case sparked widespread outrage and sympathy in the Philippines.
Last week, Minister Yusril announced that President Prabowo Subianto had approved her transfer. Veloso, currently on death row, expressed her joy upon hearing the news, saying she was “very elated” at the possibility of returning to her family.
Australia’s ‘Bali Nine’ Members
The planned transfer also includes five remaining members of the infamous “Bali Nine” drug smuggling group. The group was arrested in 2005 for attempting to smuggle over eight kilograms of heroin out of Bali.
While two members were executed in 2015 and one died of cancer, five others—Matthew Norman, Si Yi Chen, Michael Czugaj, Scott Rush, and Martin Stephens—are still serving life sentences in Indonesia. Minister Yusril plans to discuss their cases during the upcoming visit of Australia’s Minister for Home Affairs, Tony Burke.
France’s Inmate
Indonesia is also working with the French government to transfer a French detainee. Although the prisoner’s identity has not been disclosed, Yusril confirmed ongoing discussions with Paris regarding the case.
A Humanitarian Approach
Minister Yusril emphasized that these transfers align with Indonesia’s preference for prisoners to serve their sentences in their home countries. “We are transferring them so they can serve their time closer to their families,” he said. He added that if these countries choose to grant amnesty, Indonesia would respect that decision.
The transfers are expected to be finalized by the end of December, marking a significant step in international cooperation on prisoner rehabilitation.
