Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta.  The government is finalizing a bill to establish clear regulations for transferring prisoners, Coordinating Minister of Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Corrections Yusril Ihza Mahendra revealed on Friday (17/1/2025).

“The bill is ready at the Ministry of Law. It’s a straightforward law with just a few articles, and we aim to complete it quickly,” he said, as quoted by antaranews.com.

The law is mandated by Law No. 22/2022 on Corrections, which requires specific legislation for prisoner transfers. Existing mutual legal assistance (MLA) laws cannot adequately cover prisoner exchanges or transfers, Minister Yusril explained.

Until now, such transfers have relied on Presidential discretion and temporary agreements. Yusril stressed that a dedicated law would eliminate uncertainties and ensure legal consistency.

Recent high-profile cases include the December 2024 repatriation of Mary Jane, a Filipino convicted of drug trafficking, and the transfer of five Bali Nine inmates to Australia. Both were facilitated through bilateral practical arrangements.

(mg/inp/pr/nm)