Inp.polri.go.id - Manado. President Prabowo Subianto has approved the transfer of Australian nationals from the "Bali Nine" drug trafficking group to their home country, Minister of Law Supratman Andi Atgas confirmed on Monday (25/11/2024).

"The President has agreed in principle to proceed with the transfer of the 'Bali Nine' inmates," he said during a press briefing at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta, as reported by antaranews.com.

While the decision marks progress, Minister Supratman emphasized the importance of adhering to proper procedures. 

"We currently lack clear rules for such transfers, so the President has instructed us to finalize a comprehensive review before moving forward," he added.

The minister confirmed that the review process is nearing completion and expected to be finalized by December or early 2025. 

The transfer involves five inmates serving life sentences, namely Si Yi Chen, Michael Czugaj, Matthew Norman, Scott Rush, and Martin Stephens. 

The Bali Nine case has long been a sensitive topic, highlighting Indonesia’s strict drug laws and international cooperation efforts.

(mg/inp/pr/nm)