Indonesia Prioritizes Migrant Worker Cases Over Sinaga and Hambali Repatriation
Indonesia will not prioritize the repatriation of Reynhard Sinaga and Hambali, focusing instead on supporting Indonesian migrant workers sentenced to death abroad. Sinaga is serving life for multiple rapes in the UK, while Hambali, linked to the Bali bombings, has been detained at Guantanamo Bay. The government continues to monitor both cases but aims to assist those with more immediate legal issues.
Indonesia’s government has decided not to prioritize the repatriation of two high-profile individuals: Reynhard Sinaga, a convicted serial rapist, and Hambali, the alleged mastermind of the Bali bombings. Coordinating Minister for Legal, Human Rights, Immigration and Corrections Yusril Ihza Mahendra emphasized that the government’s focus will instead be on assisting Indonesian migrant workers facing the death penalty abroad.
Sinaga is serving a life sentence in the UK after being found guilty of 159 counts of rape and sexual assault against 48 victims between 2015 and 2017. The case is significant as he is deemed the most prolific rapist in British history, targeting intoxicated men outside nightlife venues. He currently resides in HMP Wakefield, a high-security prison in Yorkshire.
Hambali, on the other hand, is a detainee at Guantanamo Bay, accused of being involved in the 2002 Bali bombings and other terrorist attacks. Former U.S. President George W. Bush labeled him one of the world’s most dangerous terrorists. He was captured during a U.S.-led operation in Thailand in 2003 and has yet to be tried.
Despite previous statements about potential repatriation discussions, Mahendra clarified that these were not immediate priorities. The Indonesian government remains focused on the welfare of its citizens abroad, especially those on death row in countries like Malaysia and Saudi Arabia.
Sinaga’s request for repatriation, submitted by his parents, is currently not the government’s priority owing to his recent sentencing. Furthermore, Hambali’s case involves complex human rights and terrorism issues and remains undecided due to a lack of trial.
The government is actively monitoring the situations of both individuals but will prioritize the urgent cases of Indonesian migrant workers facing death penalties.
The Indonesian government has shifted its focus away from the repatriation of convicted criminal Reynhard Sinaga and terrorist suspect Hambali, emphasizing the need to assist Indonesian citizens abroad, particularly migrant workers on death row. Minister Yusril Ihza Mahendra stressed that immediate repatriation is not a priority, advocating for support and attention for all Indonesian citizens, irrespective of their legal predicaments overseas.
Original Source: www.channelnewsasia.com
