Bali Nine Update: Hope for Repatriation as Indonesia Considers Prisoner Transfers

In the early hours of 29 April 2015, Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran from the Bali Nine faced execution on the Indonesian prison island of Nusakambangan. They were tied to stakes and sang as a firing squad prepared to execute them.

That morning, six other prisoners also faced execution, but Mary Jane Veloso was granted a last-minute reprieve and spared from death. Nearly ten years later, she will be sent back to the Philippines.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr announced, “Mary Jane Veloso is coming home.” Meanwhile, five remaining members of the Bali Nine could soon return to Australia. They were arrested in April 2005 for trying to smuggle heroin.

To recap, the Bali Nine consisted of nine young Australians trying to transport 8kg of heroin to Australia. Four members were caught with drugs taped to their bodies. In the years since, two members were executed, one died of cancer, and one was repatriated after her sentence was reduced.

Recently, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and new Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto reached an agreement to repatriate the remaining prisoners. The transfers may occur as soon as next month. Indonesia’s coordinating minister stated, “Our target is hopefully… at the end of December, the transfers will have been complete.”

Indonesia prefers that these prisoners serve their sentences at home but acknowledged Australia’s right to consider clemency. Repatriation talks come with conditions: Australia must cover transfer costs, respect Indonesian sentences, and reciprocate with transfers of Indonesian prisoners in Australia.

While the deal is not finalized, there are strong hopes for a successful repatriation. Ministerial comments in Australia remain cautious, indicating that negotiations are delicate.

Timothy Harris, a Catholic bishop who supports the families of the imprisoned, expressed optimism but urged caution. He noted the resilience of the families involved, especially the parents of Scott Rush.

The Indonesian law minister confirmed that any deal would include some Indonesian nationals in Australia as part of the discussions. Both countries currently lack a reciprocal prisoner transfer arrangement.

Detailed discussions have taken place away from the media, with Australia’s ambassador meeting Indonesian officials. The agreement came from a meeting following the APEC gathering in Peru.

Prabowo has a personal interest in saving Indonesian citizens facing severe punishments abroad. His past efforts include advocating for the release of an Indonesian worker sentenced to death in Malaysia.

As of October 2023, Indonesia has not executed anyone since 2016, and its criminal code will allow for conditional commutation of death sentences starting 2026. Current reports show 509 prisoners on death row, including 89 foreign nationals.

Amnesty International has campaigned for clemency for Chan and Sukumaran, and advocates for the remaining Bali Nine prisoners argue for their rehabilitation. They emphasize that after 19 years, compassion should lead the way.