Yusril: Transfer Of Convicted Bali Nine Waits For Australian Government Approval

Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Correction Yusril Ihza Mahendra In Badung, Bali/PHOTO: Dafi-VOI

BADUNG - Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Correction Yusril Ihza Mahendra said Indonesia was still waiting for approval from the Australian government regarding the transfer of Bali Nine prisoners.

Minister Yusril has met with Australian Minister of Home Affairs, Tony Burke who came to Jakarta accompanied by the Ambassador or Australian Ambassador to Indonesia Penny Williams in Jakarta.

"The issue of the Bali Nine is now in the hands of the Australian government. We discussed many things related to increasing cooperation between the Australian and Indonesian governments in relation to the legal sector. But also specifically discussing the issue of the Bali Nine," said Yusril, Thursday, December 5.

The government has received a request from the Australian government to move them to their home country.

"Five Australian foreigners have been sentenced to life imprisonment in Bali and East Java. We have received a request from the Australian Government to transfer the prisoner to his country. We have put forward several conditions and we have conveyed the draft we call with practical agreement on transfer of persons between Australia and Indonesia," he added.

The Australian government is currently studying a draft requirement regarding the transfer of prisoners or draft practical agreement and Indonesia's current position is awaiting approval.

"The Australian government is studying the draft and we are waiting for the answer. If they agree with the draft we propose, if they want to make adjustments, we will negotiate. If it has been agreed together, we can transfer the prisoners to Australia," he explained.

Minister Yusril stated that the government did not look at cases related to prisoners, but highlighted criminal penalties.

"So I emphasize this case, the case of narcotics and ask me why narcotics cases, we don't want to see cases, we see the severity of punishment. Those countries are being asked to be those who are sentenced to life imprisonment and they are sentenced to death to be returned," he said.