Repatriation Of 2 Narcotics Prisoners To The Netherlands Strengthens Bilateral Relations

Deputy for Immigration and Correctional Coordination of the Coordinating Ministry for Human Rights, Kumham Imipas I Nyoman Gede Surya Mataram (left third) together with Deputy Dutch Ambassador to RI Adriaan Palm (left second) / ANTARA/Agatha Olivia Victoria

JAKARTA - The Indonesian government has repatriated two convicts of narcotics cases, namely Siegfried Mets and Ali Tokman, to the Netherlands as a form of strengthening bilateral relations and legal cooperation between Indonesia and the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Deputy for Immigration and Correctional Coordination of the Coordinating Ministry for Law, Human Rights, Immigration and Corrections I Nyoman Gede Surya Mataram said the transfer process was the result of intensive coordination between the Government of Indonesia and the Government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

"The Indonesian government, through the coordination of the Coordinating Ministry for Kumham Imipas, together with the Government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, has completed all administrative and technical processes related to the transfer of two convicts from Dutch citizens," Surya Mataram said at a press conference on the handover of prisoners as reported by ANTARA, Monday, December 8.

He explained that the transfer was part of a cooperation in law enforcement and humanity based on the official request of the Dutch Government and the approval of the authorities in Indonesia.

Surya also emphasized that the Indonesian government ensures that the transfer takes place by complying with legal provisions, human rights principles, and security and health standards.

Siegfried said it had stabilized after receiving medical treatment, while Ali was in good health to move.

"The Indonesian government remains committed to strengthening international collaboration in the field of correctional and humanitarian services," he said.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Ambassador of the Netherlands to Indonesia Adriaan Palm thanked the Indonesian government for its facilitation and support in the transfer process.

He emphasized that this step reflects good relations between the two countries and is based on humanitarian principles.

The handover procession was carried out at the Class I Cipinang Penitentiary, Jakarta, which was attended by representatives of officials from the two countries, marking the continuation of close collaboration on correctional and humanitarian issues.

The two inmates, Siegfried (74) and Ali (65), were each inmates of a psychotropic case with the death penalty and convicts of a narcotics case with a life sentence.

Both of them had served a criminal period in Indonesia before being returned to the Netherlands based on official inter-state procedures.

Siegfried had undergone medical treatment at the Police Hospital due to a fracture after falling, while Ali was declared in good health despite having a history of hypertension that had been handled.

After being declared worthy to be transferred, the two are scheduled to fly to Amsterdam, the Netherlands, using the KLM airline through Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, with all transfer fees borne by the Dutch Government.

The Indonesian government remains committed to upholding international cooperation, including in the issue of correction, law enforcement, and humanitarian services.