Indonesia’s Landmark Deal: Return of the Bali Nine

In a major diplomatic development, Indonesia has agreed to extradite the five remaining members of the Bali Nine drug trafficking group who are currently serving life sentences, an Indonesian law minister announced Saturday.

The move comes after Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese highlighted the detainee issue in talks with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto during the APEC Summit in Peru. Australian Deputy Treasurer Stephen Jones confirmed the discussions at a press conference, noting Indonesia’s previous decision to allow Filipino drug prisoner Mary Jane Veloso to complete her sentence at home.

Minister Supratman Andi Agtas stated that the transfer was in line with Indonesia’s humanitarian approach and sought balance by proposing that Indonesian prisoners be sent back to Australia. The past executions of Bali Nine ringleaders Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran strained bilateral relations, leading Australia to recall its ambassador in 2015.

(With input from institutions.)