JAKARTA, RAKYAT NEWS – Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Penitentiary Affairs, Yusril Ihza Mahendra, has announced that the government is carefully reviewing a request from Bulgaria to transfer three Bulgarian nationals currently serving prison sentences in Yogyakarta.

The request was formally discussed during a meeting between Minister Yusril and Bulgarian Ambassador to Indonesia, Tanya Dimitrova, in Jakarta on Wednesday, February 26, 2025.

Minister Yusril emphasized that while Indonesia remains open to international legal cooperation, any decision regarding the transfer of foreign prisoners must align with principles of justice and national interests. “The process of transferring prisoners requires in-depth study and mutual agreement between both parties,” Yusril stated during a press briefing on Saturday.

He further explained that the three Bulgarian nationals have only served one year of their sentences, which began in February 2024, making the matter particularly sensitive.

During the meeting, Ambassador Dimitrova expressed her country’s interest in Indonesia’s political landscape, particularly the formation of the new cabinet under President Prabowo Subianto. She also reiterated Bulgaria’s hope that Indonesia would consider the transfer of its citizens. The discussion highlighted the importance of fostering stronger bilateral ties between the two nations.

In addition to the prisoner transfer request, the meeting also touched on several other significant issues. These included the implementation of Indonesia’s new Criminal Code (KUHP), set to take effect in 2026, and Indonesia’s ongoing efforts to join the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Minister Yusril underscored the OECD’s potential role in supporting Indonesia’s vision of achieving “Golden Indonesia 2045,” a long-term development goal aimed at making Indonesia a developed nation by its centennial anniversary.