Indonesia is considering a “transfer of prisoner” policy for Mary Jane Veloso, a Filipino worker who has spent over a decade in prison and is on death row for attempting to smuggle illegal drugs.
The Indonesian Coordinating Ministry for Legal, Human Rights, Immigration, and Correction (Kemenko Kumham Imipas) announced that they are reviewing the option of transferring foreign prisoners as part of constructive diplomacy.
This issue was discussed during a meeting with Philippine Ambassador Gina Alagon Jamoralin, where Coordinating Minister Yusril Ihza Mahendra emphasized Indonesia’s commitment to uphold its legal sovereignty and implement court-ordered criminal sanctions.
Yusril also stated that the matter had been separately discussed by Kemenko Kumham Imipas and had been informed to newly-elected President Prabowo Subianto.
The ministry is now formulating policies to resolve the issue of foreign prisoners in Indonesia through bilateral negotiations or the transfer of prisoners.
If the request is approved, Veloso’s sentence could be served in the Philippines, subject to conditions set by the Indonesian court.
Kemenko Kumham Imipas added that they are continuing to engage with relevant parties to establish additional procedures, including negotiations and bilateral agreements with the Philippine government.
“The Philippine government is obligated to acknowledge and respect the legal process regarding Veloso, including the verdict issued by the Indonesian court,” Yusril remarked. “Our nation’s sovereignty in prosecuting crimes committed by foreign nationals must be fully respected.”
Veloso arrived in Indonesia in 2010 with the intention of finding work to support her family and children, but upon arrival at Yogyakarta airport, 2.6 kilograms of heroin worth approximately P28 million were found in her luggage.
She was sentenced to death by firing squad, but in April 2015, her sentence was temporarily canceled following intervention from the Philippine government, which revealed that her recruiters had surrendered.
Veloso claims to have been a victim of human trafficking, and cases for human trafficking and large-scale illegal recruitment were filed against her recruiters, Julius Lacanilao and Cristina Sergio, in Nueva Ecija.
In 2020, a guilty verdict was issued in the illegal recruitment case, while the human trafficking case remains pending.
In January 2024, Veloso’s family sent letters to former Indonesian President Joko Widodo and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. requesting clemency in her case.