Reynhard Sinaga's Parents Ask Their Children To Be Returned To Indonesia, Yusril: Not Yet Discussed

Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Correction Yusril Ihza Mahendra/ANTARA/Fath Putra Mulya

JAKARTA - Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Correction Yusril Ihza Mahendra said that Reynhard Sinaga's parents sent a letter to President Prabowo Subianto asking for his son's repatriation to Indonesia.

However, Yusril explained that even though the letter had been sent, there had been no discussion to follow up on the request.

"Yes, his parents sent a letter but we haven't discussed it at all," he said at the Presidential Palace complex, Jakarta, Monday, November 10.

However, Yusril said that his party would give considerations to President Prabowo regarding the request from the Reynhard family.

But for now, he insists there are no plans from the government to repatriate the convict for life from Britain.

"Yes, of course, we will discuss it later because the letter is addressed to the President. But we will certainly give a review and considerations that will be submitted to the President," said Yusril.

Reynhard Sinaga is an Indonesian citizen (WNI) who was sentenced to life in 2020 by the Manchester Court, England, after being found guilty of raping and sexually assaulting 48 British men.

Reynhard committed the crime for about two and a half years. The judge said Reynhard had to serve 30 years in prison, before being allowed to file a pardon.

Recently, Reynhard was attacked by other inmates in British prisons, who threatened his life. The convict who attacked Reynhard is currently being tried by the Manchester Court.

Previously, the Minister of Immigration and Corrections (Imipas) Agus Andrianto considered it more beneficial for the government to repatriate Indonesian citizens (WNI) abroad who had a good record.

"I think it's more useful for us to just return the good, yes," said Agus at the Cipinang Class I Detention Center, Jakarta, Tuesday (25/2), when asked about the repatriation of the convict in the case of sexual violence in England, Reynhard Sinaga.

According to Agus, the repatriation of Indonesian citizens with legal problems abroad has attracted the attention of the government. Moreover, Indonesia already has agreements with several countries after repatriating foreign prisoners to their home countries, such as Australia, France, and the Philippines.

"Yesterday there was an agreement that it must be reciprocal, what they received, yes, we will also ask that they treat the same (of) our citizens who serve their sentences there," said Agus.

In addition, Agus said that there has been no significant development regarding the discourse of the repatriation of Reynhard Sinaga from England.

According to him, the Ministry of Imipas has not been involved in discussing this matter.