Bali Nine: Remaining Australian Members Return Home After Two Decades #

Five Australians from the infamous heroin-trafficking ‘Bali Nine’ gang have returned home after nearly two decades of imprisonment in Indonesia.

The five individuals, who were serving life sentences, were part of a larger group caught attempting to smuggle over 8 kilograms of heroin out of Bali’s international airport in 2005. Their return marks the end of a long-standing point of tension between Australia and Indonesia.

In 2015, Indonesia executed the group’s two Australian ringleaders, an action that was described as “a dark moment in the relationship” between the two countries.

The recent breakthrough came after discussions between Australian and Indonesian leaders. The Australian Prime Minister expressed gratitude to Indonesia’s President for his compassion in agreeing to the men’s return.

Upon their arrival in Australia, it was announced that the five members would be free. Officials stated that they would have the opportunity to continue their personal rehabilitation and reintegration in Australia.

The Bali Nine were arrested in 2005 following a tip to Indonesian police. Four members were caught at Denpasar International Airport with heroin strapped to their bodies, while four others were found at a hotel on Kuta island. One of the ringleaders was captured after boarding a plane to Sydney.

Initially, two members were sentenced to death, while the others received life sentences after an appeal. The only female member of the group was freed in 2018 after serving 13 years of her 20-year sentence, having received a commuted sentence and early release for good behavior. Another member died of kidney cancer while in custody in 2018.

This case has drawn attention to Indonesia’s strict laws on drug trafficking, under which several foreigners are currently detained.