Indonesia to Return Two Dutch Nationals Convicted of Drug Crimes
JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) – Indonesia will repatriate two Dutch citizens convicted of drug offenses, including one sentenced to death, following an agreement signed Tuesday by officials in Jakarta and Amsterdam. The move comes after a request from the Dutch king and foreign ministry, citing the men’s deteriorating health.
Indonesian Senior Law Minister Yusril Ihza Mahendra confirmed President Prabowo Subianto approved the transfer, anticipating the men’s return to the Netherlands on December 8. Dutch Foreign Minister David van Weel signed the agreement in Amsterdam,with representatives from both nations present.
Siegfried Mets, 74, has been imprisoned in Jakarta for 17 years after being convicted in February 2008 for his role in smuggling 600,000 ecstasy pills from the Netherlands to Indonesia. Ali Tokman, 65, is serving a life sentence after being arrested in December 2014 at Surabaya airport with over 6 kilograms (13.5 pounds) of MDMA.
Dutch Ambassador to Indonesia Marc Gerritsen stated the request was made on humanitarian grounds, expressing gratitude that the men will be able to be closer to their families. He highlighted the transfer as evidence of strong cooperation between the two countries in justice and law enforcement.
This repatriation is part of a recent trend under President prabowo’s governance, which has facilitated the return of several foreign prisoners through bilateral agreements. Recent cases include a Filipino national who faced the death penalty, five Australians convicted of heroin trafficking, and two British nationals with similar sentences.
Despite having some of the world’s strictest drug laws, Indonesia remains a major drug smuggling hub, according to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, with international syndicates targeting its young population. As of last month, approximately 530 people are on death row in Indonesia, including nearly 100 foreigners, primarily for drug-related crimes. Indonesia last carried out executions in July 2016, involving one citizen and three foreigners.
Edna Tarigan, The Associated Press
