RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia and Malaysia have reached a principled agreement on a prisoner transfer treaty, laying the groundwork for cooperation in repatriating citizens serving sentences in each other’s correctional systems. The accord is expected to strengthen legal collaboration while ensuring protection for nationals facing criminal proceedings abroad.

Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Corrections Yusril Ihza Mahendra confirmed on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, that the draft treaty has been agreed upon in principle and will move forward to the next stage before formal signing. “With guidance from Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, the core elements of the prisoner transfer agreement have been settled and will be discussed further at the next level,” Minister Yusril said in Jakarta, as quoted by Antara.

Indonesia has placed strong emphasis on the deal, given the large number of its citizens currently imprisoned in Malaysia. Minister Yusril explained that Malaysia initially proposed requiring approval from the sentencing country for remission, amnesty, or other forms of clemency granted to transferred prisoners. Indonesia rejected the proposal, insisting that such authority must rest entirely with the receiving country.

“There is only an obligation to report officially if remission or clemency is granted. We will fully respect their authority,” Minister Yusril noted, adding that the same principle applies to Malaysian nationals repatriated from Indonesia.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim accepted Indonesia’s position during a meeting in Putrajaya on Monday, June 29, 2026, acknowledging that responsibility for rehabilitating transferred prisoners lies with the receiving state. Yusril said the forthcoming agreement reflects the government’s commitment to safeguarding citizens involved in legal cases overseas.

Data from Indonesia’s coordinating ministry shows 314 Malaysian nationals are currently in Indonesia’s prison system, including 47 detainees and 267 convicts. Of these, 23 face the death penalty, 51 are serving life sentences, and 193 are serving fixed-term sentences, with the majority linked to drug-related offenses (290 cases).

Meanwhile, Malaysian government figures record 6,622 Indonesians in its prison system, comprising 1,722 detainees and 4,900 convicts. Among them, two face the death penalty, 49 are serving life sentences, and 6,571 are serving prison terms. Notably, 62 Indonesians fall into vulnerable categories, including the elderly, minors, persons with disabilities, pregnant women, and mothers with young children.

This agreement underscores the importance of bilateral legal cooperation in managing cross-border justice issues while ensuring humane treatment and protection for citizens abroad. ***