Jakarta, March 3, 2025 – The Europe Today: Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Corrections, Yusril Ihza Mahendra, held discussions with Dutch Ambassador to Indonesia, Marc Gerritsen, regarding the repatriation of Dutch prisoners currently serving sentences in Indonesia.
According to Mahendra, five Dutch nationals are imprisoned in Indonesia, while two others are held at an Immigration Detention House. He emphasized that while Indonesia remains open to international legal cooperation, any prisoner transfer must align with justice principles and national interests.
“The transfer of foreign prisoners is a complex matter that requires thorough examination. It is not a decision that can be made hastily,” Mahendra stated. He further noted that such repatriations are carried out as part of a discretionary policy set by President Prabowo Subianto.
Indonesia has previously repatriated several prisoners, including five members of the Bali Nine to Australia, Mary Jane to the Philippines, and Serge Atlaoui to France. The Indonesian government is currently drafting a special law on the transfer process, with plans to finalize it before the Eid al-Fitr holiday.
Ambassador Marc Gerritsen welcomed Indonesia’s willingness to collaborate on legal matters and expressed support for a transparent and fair legal mechanism for inmate transfers.
“This cooperation benefits both nations and reflects our shared commitment to justice,” Gerritsen stated.
