Malaysia, Indonesia Discuss Prisoner Exchange And Border Cooperation

By Mohd Iswandi Kasan Anuar

JAKARTA, Feb 25 (Bernama) – Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail held a meeting with Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration and Corrections, Yusril Ihza Mahendra, to discuss mechanisms for prisoner exchange, immigration cooperation, and border management.

The meeting focused on effective mechanisms for repatriating detainees to their home country to serve the remainder of their sentences, even though the International Transfer of Prisoners (ITOP) Agreement has not been finalised yet.

“Our discussions centred on establishing a comprehensive and effective mechanism for the transfer of prisoners and detainees,” Saifuddin said at a press conference following the meeting on Tuesday.

According to him, Malaysia is currently detaining over 5,000 Indonesian nationals, including convicted prisoners and remand detainees.

Of the 70 individuals sentenced to death, 68 have submitted appeals to have their sentences commuted to life imprisonment. Additionally, around 3,000 Indonesians are being held in immigration detention depots.

“To streamline this process, those who violate immigration regulations will need to settle their fines before being repatriated,” he explained.

Meanwhile, in Indonesia, around 300 Malaysian nationals are serving prison sentences for various offences, Saifuddin added.

Discussions also covered border management issues, particularly the development of nine new entry points in Sabah and Sarawak along the Malaysian-Indonesian border.

“There are several matters that need further action, particularly regarding a checklist of requirements to be discussed at the official level,” he said.

He added that both countries are committed to expediting the ratification process for the Border Crossing Agreement.

Saifuddin and his delegation then held a meeting with Indonesia’s Minister of Immigration and Corrections, Agus Andrianto.

The topics discussed included foreign labour, prisoner transfers, Malaysian student visa fees, and several matters of mutual interest to both countries.

The meeting was held in conjunction with Saifuddin’s three-day working visit to Indonesia. He was accompanied by Malaysia’s Ambassador to Indonesia, Datuk Syed Md Hasrin Tengku Hussin; the Ministry’s Secretary-General, Datuk Awang Alik Jeman; Selangor Police Chief, Datuk Hussein Omar Khan; the Director-General of the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), Datuk Mohd Rosli Abdullah; and the Commissioner General of Prisons, Datuk Abdul Aziz Abdul Razak.

-- BERNAMA