The remaining five Australians from the Bali Nine group are currently serving life sentences for drug smuggling in Indonesia. According to Indonesia’s senior law minister, a draft proposal for their transfer back to Australia is in its final stages, with both countries working on the details.
Key points related to the transfer arrangements are being discussed, including Australia’s acknowledgment of Indonesia’s sovereignty, respect for Indonesian court rulings, and ensuring the five maintain their prisoner status upon returning home. Yusril Ihza Mahendra, the Indonesian law minister, mentioned that they are awaiting Australia’s response on these matters.
Of the five, Si Yi Chen and Matthew Norman are held in Bali’s Kerobokan Prison, while the others have been transferred to facilities elsewhere.
Mahendra expressed hope for reaching an understanding and finalizing the transfer process in December. The five Australians have been seeking clemency for years, especially before Indonesia’s Independence Day, but their requests have remained unanswered, reflecting the strict stance Indonesia maintains against drug offenses.
Last month, Indonesia agreed to repatriate to the Philippines a death-row drug convict who was nearly executed by firing squad but got a reprieve due to years of pleadings from Manila.
