Hope for Repatriation: A Breakthrough in Australia-Indonesia Relations

Indonesia aims to finalize an agreement to repatriate five remaining Bali Nine members to Australia. Conditions include a ban from Indonesia and respect for Indonesian court decisions. The agreement holds no prisoner exchange terms, reflecting improved relations over human rights concerns.

Indonesia is hopeful about reaching an agreement with Australia for the repatriation of the remaining five members of the Bali Nine drug ring. Senior Indonesian minister Yusril Ihza Mahendra discussed the matter with Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke in Jakarta.

The draft proposal submitted by Yusril outlines conditions, including a ban on the five individuals returning to Indonesia and an expectation of respect for the Indonesian court's decisions. Yusril believes an agreement could be finalized, allowing the transfer to start this month.

Australia has expressed respect for Indonesia's legal system, while Indonesia considers the move to improve bilateral relations impacted by human rights issues. The discussion follows previous cases where Indonesia agreed to transfer other foreign inmates.

(With inputs from agencies.)