"We already have the draft law in the Ministry of Law. The law only consists of several articles. Hopefully, it can be completed as soon as possible," he told the press in Jakarta on Friday.
Mahendra explained that Law Number 22 of 2022 concerning Corrections mandates that provisions for the transfer of prisoners are regulated by law.
Meanwhile, the law on mutual legal assistance (MLA) cannot be used as a basis for the transfer or exchange of prisoners.
The minister noted that no specific law currently regulates the transfer or exchange of prisoners. The recent transfers of foreign national prisoners carried out by the government were at the discretion of President Prabowo Subianto.
The transfers of foreign national prisoners carried out by the Indonesian Government in December 2024 were based on practical agreements.
"Even though it is possible to be carried out with agreements, it is better for us to create law so that there would be no more doubt," he remarked.
Earlier, Indonesia transferred Mary Jane Veloso, a death row inmate convicted of smuggling 2.6 kilograms of heroin, to her home country, the Philippines, on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, carried out based on a practical arrangement between the governments of Indonesia and the Philippines.
In the same month, on December 15, 2024, Indonesia transferred five Bali Nine convicts to Australia. The five Bali Nine members, convicted of smuggling 8.2 kilograms of heroin, were transferred based on a practical arrangement between the governments of Indonesia and Australia.
Currently, the Indonesian government is discussing the transfer of a French national, Serge Atlaoui, a drug offender on death row.
In this regard, the signing of a practical arrangement between the governments of Indonesia and France is projected to take place in February.
Related news: France agrees to most conditions for Atlaoui's transfer: govt
Related news: Mary Jane's repatriation a symbol of diplomatic cooperation: Ministry
Translator: Fath Putra, Raka Adji
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
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