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.

The meeting was attended by several high-ranking Indonesian officials, including Deputy Coordinating Minister for Law and Human Rights Otto Hasibuan, Special Staff for International Affairs Ahmad Usmarwi Kaffah, Special Staff for Communication and Media Iqbal Fadil, and Assistant Deputy for Strategic Services Coordination Pramella Yunidar Pasaribu. Both sides expressed optimism that the discussions would pave the way for enhanced bilateral cooperation in legal matters and beyond.

The dialogue between Indonesia and Bulgaria marks a significant step toward strengthening diplomatic and legal cooperation. As both nations continue to explore avenues for collaboration, the potential transfer of prisoners remains a key point of discussion, reflecting the complexities of international legal agreements and the importance of mutual respect and understanding in such matters.

As Indonesia evaluates Bulgaria’s request, the outcome will likely set a precedent for future international legal cooperation. The meeting between Minister Yusril and Ambassador Dimitrova underscores the importance of diplomacy in addressing sensitive issues, balancing national interests with the principles of justice and international partnership.(Uki Ruknuddin)

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