Indonesian minister says Jakarta has agreed to return remaining Bali Nine members to Australia

According to Law Minister Supratman Andi Agtas, the decision was made on humanitarian grounds and is seen as an important step in maintaining a good relationship with friendly countries. The Indonesian government will also seek the repatriation of Indonesian prisoners held in Australia.

The Bali Nine are a group of Australians who were arrested in 2005 for attempting to smuggle heroin out of the Indonesian resort island. The five remaining members, Scott Rush, Matthew Norman, Si-Yi Chen, Martin Stephens, and Michael Czugaj, have been serving life sentences in Indonesia.

This decision comes after years of efforts by Australian authorities to secure the release of the Bali Nine members. In 2015, the execution of two members, Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran, caused a diplomatic rupture between Australia and Indonesia. Australia recalled its ambassador in protest.

The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has confirmed that it is providing consular support for the five men and their families and advocating “for the men’s interests.”

It is anticipated that if they return, the men are likely to serve additional time but are unlikely to continue their life sentences. This decision is a significant step towards healing the diplomatic relationship between Australia and Indonesia.

Key Points:

• The decision was made on humanitarian grounds and is seen as an important step in maintaining a good relationship with friendly countries.

• The Indonesian government will also seek the repatriation of Indonesian prisoners held in Australia.

• The Bali Nine are a group of Australians who were arrested in 2005 for attempting to smuggle heroin out of Indonesia.

• The five remaining members, Scott Rush, Matthew Norman, Si-Yi Chen, Martin Stephens, and Michael Czugaj, have been serving life sentences in Indonesia.