Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Correctional Affairs, Yusril Ihza Mahendra, and Malaysia’s Home Minister, Dato’ Sri Saifuddin Nasution, discussed a potential prisoner exchange agreement during a meeting in Jakarta on Tuesday (25/2/2025).

"We discussed following up on the Indonesia-Malaysia prisoner exchange program, which will be further detailed soon," Minister Yusril said, as quoted by antaranews.com.

He explained that the transfer process would consider bilateral relations and humanitarian principles, as Indonesia currently lacks a legal framework for such exchanges, making it a presidential prerogative.

Currently, 5,592 Indonesian prisoners are held in Malaysia, while 302 Malaysian inmates are in Indonesia.  

Minister Yusril emphasized the need for synergy in legal and immigration matters, noting, "Indonesia and Malaysia share deep historical and cultural ties; therefore, collaboration in law enforcement and human rights protection must be strengthened."

Minister Saifuddin raised Malaysia’s commitment to improving protections for Indonesian workers and enhancing cooperation in cross-border crime management.

(mg/inp/pr/nm)