JAKARTA, RAKYAT NEWS – Indonesia has submitted a draft agreement to Australia regarding the transfer of the remaining members of the Bali Nine drug syndicate. Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Corrections Yusril Ihza Mahendra announced this after a bilateral meeting with Australia’s Minister for Home Affairs, Tony Burke, in Jakarta on Tuesday.

“The draft has been handed over to the Australian government, particularly through its embassy in Jakarta, for further review,” Yusril stated during a joint press conference.

The proposed agreement outlines specific conditions, including Australia’s recognition of Indonesia’s sovereignty and court rulings. Additionally, Indonesia insists the prisoners be transferred as convicts, though it would respect any clemency or reduced sentences granted by Australia after the transfer.

Another condition allows Indonesia to monitor the prisoners post-transfer. The agreement also seeks reciprocal treatment, enabling Indonesia to request the repatriation of its citizens serving sentences abroad under similar terms.

“The deal should be mutual. If Indonesia requests the return of Indonesian inmates from a foreign country, the request should also be considered,” Yusril emphasized.

Yusril highlighted President Prabowo Subianto’s willingness to thoroughly evaluate Australia’s request, despite the absence of specific laws governing prisoner transfers in Indonesia. He expressed hope that discussions would proceed swiftly, allowing the agreement to be finalized soon.

The Bali Nine refers to nine Australians convicted in 2005 for attempting to smuggle 8.2 kilograms of heroin from Bali to Australia. Two members, Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran, were executed in 2015, while one, Tan Duc Thanh Nguyen, died in prison in 2018. Currently, five members remain incarcerated in Indonesia, serving life sentences.

This proposed transfer reflects Indonesia’s commitment to exploring diplomatic solutions while upholding its legal principles, particularly in combating drug-related crimes. Further discussions between both nations are anticipated to finalize the terms. (Uki Ruknuddin)

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