JAKARTA - Coordinating Minister for Legal, Human Rights, Immigration, and Corrections Yusril Ihza Mahendra revealed that the Philippine government is waiting for an official request letter from the Indonesian government to repatriate Indonesian citizen convicts (WNI) related to the terrorism case, Taufiq Rifqi.
"We have conveyed it informally to the Philippine government at first. We just conveyed it back to the Philippine Ambassador and they are waiting for a formal request letter," said Yusril as reported by ANTARA, Tuesday, January 13.
Taufiq Rifqi was arrested on October 2, 2003 in Cotabato City, Southern Philippines, and sentenced to life imprisonment for terrorism-related cases related to hotel bombings. To date, he has served 22 years in prison.
During the state visit of the Philippine Ambassador to Indonesia to the Ministry of Law and Human Rights, Imipas RI, Tuesday, both parties emphasized the discussion of Indonesian-Philippine legal cooperation, especially regarding the possibility of transferring prisoners for the transfer of prisoners for Taufiq Rifqi.
Coordinating Minister Yusril emphasized that every discussion regarding the transfer of convicts is carried out carefully, while still respecting the sovereignty of Philippine law and considering humanitarian aspects and national interests.
In that way, he said, the discussion of the transfer of prisoners was not interpreted as an effort to reduce or eliminate punishment, but was a mechanism for legal cooperation that allowed for coaching to be carried out in the country of origin, as long as it met the legal provisions in force in both countries.
He emphasized that the Indonesian government continues to carry out the function of protecting Indonesian citizens who face the law abroad through diplomatic and consular channels, without interfering in the judicial process of the friendly country.
"The state is present to ensure that the basic rights of citizens are met, while maintaining good relations and mutual respect for each other's legal systems," he said.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Ambassador Christopher Montero said his party was open to continuing to strengthen legal dialogue with Indonesia, including in discussing the transfer of prisoners and cross-border humanitarian issues.
"The Philippines appreciates Indonesia's approach that prioritizes dialogue, law, and humanity. Any form of cooperation, including the transfer of prisoners, will be reviewed in accordance with Philippine national law and our international commitments," said Montero.
During the meeting, the Philippine Ambassador also conveyed the development of the condition of Mary Jane, a Filipino citizen who was previously sentenced to death in Indonesia in a narcotics case and has now been transferred to the Philippines.
Mary Jane is currently in good health and undergoing rehabilitation at the Women's Correctional Institution in Manila.
Montero also expressed his appreciation for the good cooperation with the Indonesian government in the process of transferring Mary Jane some time ago.
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