Yusril Opens Possibility of Transferring One Saudi Inmate from Indonesia

Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Corrections Yusril Ihza Mahendra has opened the possibility of transferring a Saudi Arabian national imprisoned in Indonesia. The opportunity was raised in response to a request from the Saudi Ambassador regarding a Saudi citizen currently serving a sentence in Indonesia, during a meeting in Jakarta on Wednesday (15/7). “The prisoner transfer mechanism can be an alternative that both countries can discuss based on mutual agreement and in accordance with applicable legal provisions,” Yusril stated on Thursday. Yusril explained that the case in question has permanent legal force, meaning any steps towards its resolution must be carried out in accordance with Indonesian law. He said the audience discussed several alternative solutions based on existing legal mechanisms, including amnesty, clemency, or inter-state prisoner transfer. Based on Indonesia’s experience in cooperation with several countries, Yusril noted that if a prisoner transfer is agreed upon, the subsequent rehabilitation of the prisoner becomes the authority of the receiving state according to its legal system. Yusril also stressed that granting forgiveness or compensation to the victim’s family does not nullify the criminal act under Indonesian law once the case has a legally binding verdict. He stated that a restorative justice approach can only be applied to cases still under investigation, prosecution, or trial. During the meeting, the Saudi Arabian Government also expressed hope that both countries could discuss simplifying visa services for Indonesian and Saudi citizens to support tourism, business activities, and economic cooperation. Responding to this, Yusril said the proposal would be forwarded to the Minister of Immigration and Corrections for further discussion according to his authority. “It will certainly be considered whether the system allows for a change to an online visa or visa on arrival. Technically, this will be discussed further by the Ministry of Immigration and Corrections,” he said. Saudi Ambassador to Indonesia Faisal Abdullah Al Amudi noted that bilateral relations continue to develop positively, marked by intensive communication between President Prabowo Subianto and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the establishment of the Indonesia-Saudi Arabia Supreme Coordination Council, and Saudi investment plans in the port and logistics sectors in Indonesia.