Philippines and Indonesia in Talks for “Tukar Kepala” Fugitive Exchange: Alice Guo for Gregor Johann Haas

JAKARTA, RAKYAT NEWS – The Indonesian National Police’s International Relations Division (Divhubinter) is actively negotiating with the Philippine government regarding the exchange of fugitives Alice Guo and Gregor Johann Haas.

Irjen Krishna Murti, Head of Divhubinter, confirmed the ongoing discussions.

“This is part of our negotiations. God willing, the process will proceed according to the established timeline, and we await the results,” he said during a press conference at the Metro Jaya Police Headquarters in Jakarta on Thursday.

Earlier this week, on September 3, Indonesian authorities captured Alice Guo, a former mayor from Bamban, Philippines, who had been a fugitive.

Her arrest in Tangerang, Banten, represents a significant step in the negotiations to exchange her for Gregor Johann Haas, a major fugitive from the Indonesian National Narcotics Agency (BNN), who was apprehended in Cebu, Philippines.

Krishna hinted at a positive outcome for the discussions, noting, “You can understand why high-level representatives from the Philippines are involved. This indicates that the plan is progressing as hoped by both parties.”

He added that there are no specific conditions imposed on Indonesia for this exchange.

“Our intention is good, and so is theirs,” he affirmed.

In May 2024, BNN and Indonesian police captured Gregor Johann Haas, an alleged major drug trafficker, in Cebu, Philippines. Haas, an Australian national residing in Gili Trawangan, Lombok, was wanted for drug trafficking offenses committed on December 5, 2023. Due to his international location, BNN coordinated with Divhubinter to issue an Interpol red notice.

Haas has been detained in the Philippines since his capture, and the current focus is on finalizing his transfer back to Indonesia. (Uki Ruknuddin)