Mahendra explained that Hambali's citizenship status remains unverified, as he was arrested without an Indonesian passport.
"If an individual does not have an Indonesian citizenship document, then his or her status as an Indonesian citizen is considered void," Mahendra stated while receiving a courtesy visit from the Australian ambassador to Indonesia in Jakarta on Thursday as confirmed on Friday.
Regarding a judicial process related to Hambali, under detention in Guantanamo Prison for over two decades, the minister affirmed that Indonesia would fully adhere to the United States laws.
In response, Australian Ambassador to Indonesia Rod Brazier expressed appreciation for the Indonesian government's openness in handling the Hambali case but also drew attention to the sensitivity of this issue, especially related to the families of those falling victim to the deadly 2002 Bali bombing.
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On the other hand, Brazier lauded the Indonesian government's handling of the case of the Bali Nine drug smuggling convicts.
He remarked that the perpetrators who have completed their sentences have now successfully reintegrated into society.
Furthermore, he highlighted the handling of Myanmar refugees in Indonesian territory, especially in Aceh.
Mahendra then explained that managing refugees falls under the technical responsibilities of the Indonesian Ministry of Immigration and Corrections. However, the government continues to demonstrate its humanitarian commitment by temporarily accommodating refugees.
"We continue to coordinate with various parties and hope the political conflict in Myanmar will end soon," he remarked.
He also conveyed his plan to visit Aceh and assess the situation of these refugees firsthand.
The meeting between the two officials reflects the close bilateral relations between Indonesia and Australia, especially in various strategic issues related to law and security.
The Coordinating Ministry for Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Corrections is committed to intensifying international cooperation to promote legal stability and respect for human rights in the region.
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Translator: Agatha Olivia V, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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