Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. Malaysia and Saudi Arabia are prepared to repatriate Indonesian prisoners if Jakarta formally requests it, Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Correctional Affairs Yusril Ihza Mahendra said on Thursday (9/10/2025).

“The Malaysian government is ready anytime we request the return of our nationals, and the Saudi government has also welcomed such a request,” he told reporters, as quoted by antaranews.com. 

Minister Yusril said both countries host the largest number of Indonesian inmates overseas, with Malaysia alone holding around 5,800 Indonesians, including 82 death-row prisoners. Of those, 79 have been granted clemency, and none have been executed.

He noted that Saudi Arabia has also given a “green light” for possible transfers but emphasized that Indonesia must prepare for logistical challenges due to overcrowded prisons at home. The statement came shortly after Indonesia approved the repatriation of two Dutch prisoners under a bilateral agreement framework with the Netherlands.

(mg/inp/pr/rs)