Jakarta: Indonesia and Malaysia are nearing the completion of a prisoner transfer agreement.
“Under the direction of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, key points of the agreement have been agreed upon,” said Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Correctional Affairs, Yusril Ihza Mahendra, as reported by Antara on Tuesday, June 30, 2026.
The agreement would serve as the basis for repatriating citizens who are either facing legal proceedings or serving prison sentences in the two countries. Yusril emphasized the government’s determination to finalize the agreement, given the large number of Indonesian citizens (WNI) held in Malaysian prisons.
Malaysia had previously sought mutual approval for any clemency measures granted after transfer. However, Indonesia rejected the proposal. Yusril explained that there would “only be an obligation to report the granting of clemency.”
Yusril argued that once repatriated, prisoners would fall under the full authority of the receiving country. He noted that the agreement reflects the government’s commitment to protecting its citizens facing legal issues abroad.
As of June 2026, 314 Malaysian citizens are held in Indonesia, including 47 detainees and 267 convicted prisoners. 23 are on death row, and 51 are serving life sentences.
Most cases involve drug offenses, while others include violations of health regulations, immigration, Electronic Information and Transactions (ITE) law, migrant worker protection, fraud, fisheries, and money laundering.
Malaysia, meanwhile, reported 6,622 Indonesian citizens in its prison system, comprising 1,722 detainees and 4,900 convicted prisoners. Among them, two are facing the death penalty, and 49 are serving life sentences.
62 Indonesians in Malaysian custody have been classified as vulnerable, including the elderly, individuals with mental health disorders, minors under the age of 18, persons with disabilities, pregnant women, and mothers with toddlers.
(Jonathan Sianto)
Indonesia and Malaysia Draft Prisoner Transfer Agreement
