Indonesia Considers Transfer of Bali Nine Life Sentence Convicts
Minister Supratman Confirms Ongoing Review of Transfer Plans
Indonesia’s Minister of Law, Supratman Andi Agtas, confirmed on November 24, 2024, that the government is examining the potential transfer of five Bali Nine members, currently serving life sentences in Indonesian prisons, back to Australia. This process is still under review, involving coordination with multiple government agencies, including Minister Yusril Ihza Mahendra.
Supratman stated that President Prabowo Subianto has given his preliminary approval to transfer foreign prisoners on humanitarian grounds and to preserve good relations with Australia. However, the minister explained that Indonesia does not yet have a formal procedure for prisoner transfers.
“The transfer does not mean freedom for these prisoners; they will continue their sentences in Australia as per Indonesia’s legal decision,” Supratman emphasized.
In addition to the Bali Nine, Indonesia is also looking into the repatriation of its citizens incarcerated abroad, potentially through prisoner exchanges. While some ambassadors have made formal requests for the transfer of foreign inmates, these will be reviewed by the president before a final decision is made.
The Bali Nine refers to nine Australians arrested in 2005 for attempting to smuggle heroin out of Indonesia. While some members were given long prison sentences, two of the ringleaders, Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran, were executed in 2015. Another member, Renae Lawrence, was repatriated to Australia in 2018 after serving 13 years.
