Indonesia faces complex legal and diplomatic challenges regarding the fate of two of its citizens abroad: Reynhard Sinaga, a convicted serial rapist serving a life sentence in the UK, and Hambali, a Guantanamo Bay detainee linked to terrorism. Despite ongoing discussions, the Indonesian government has stated that the repatriation of these individuals is currently not a priority. Instead, the focus remains on cases involving Indonesian citizens facing legal issues, particularly migrant workers abroad.
Reynhard Sinaga, branded the "worst-known sex offender" in UK history by the Crown Prosecution Service, is serving time at HMP Wakefield. In January 2020, Manchester Crown Court sentenced him to life imprisonment for 159 counts of rape and sexual assault against 48 victims. Sinaga preyed on young men outside nightclubs and pubs, earning notoriety for his heinous crimes. Originally in the UK for academic pursuits, he was studying for a PhD at Leeds University when he committed these offenses.
Communication between Sinaga and his family has been strained. His parents have expressed difficulties in receiving updates on his condition during detention. The Indonesian government initiated preliminary talks with the British government regarding a potential prisoner exchange involving Sinaga and British nationals imprisoned in Indonesia.
Hambali, whose real name is Riduan Isamuddin, remains detained at Guantanamo Bay. Linked to al Qaeda, he is accused of orchestrating some of Indonesia's deadliest attacks, including the 2002 Bali bombings which claimed over 200 lives. Despite being held for over two decades without trial, the Indonesian government has urged the US to expedite Hambali's legal proceedings. His case would be considered expired under Indonesian law due to the time elapsed since the terrorism incidents.
Indonesian officials have highlighted their commitment to safeguarding citizens abroad. Yusril Ihza Mahendra, an influential figure in this discourse, emphasized the government's duty:
"Every citizen, wherever they are, is the responsibility of the government to provide attention, protection and defence." – Yusril Ihza Mahendra
However, Mahendra clarified that the immediate repatriation of Sinaga and Hambali is not a top concern:
"So, (Sinaga’s) repatriation is not a priority that must be addressed immediately." – Yusril Ihza Mahendra
"I have emphasised that (the) immediate repatriation of these two individuals is not a government priority." – Yusril Ihza Mahendra
Nonetheless, Mahendra acknowledged the importance of attention to all citizens:
"No matter how wrong our citizens are abroad, we must still pay attention." – Yusril Ihza Mahendra
The Indonesian government remains primarily focused on cases involving migrant workers facing legal challenges in foreign countries. With approximately 54 Indonesian citizens on death row in Malaysia and Saudi Arabia, efforts are directed towards these urgent matters:
"There are approximately 54 Indonesian citizens sentenced to death in Malaysia and Saudi Arabia … That is our priority." – Yusril Ihza Mahendra
Regarding Hambali's situation, Mahendra noted the complexities involved:
"But until now, there has been no trial. It's a terrorism issue on one hand and a human rights issue on the other. We have not had a somewhat detailed discussion about Hambali's repatriation." – Yusril Ihza Mahendra
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