Indonesia Approves Repatriation of Two Dutch Drug Convicts

Indonesia Approves Repatriation of Dutch Drug Convicts

The Indonesian government has officially approved the repatriation request for two Dutch nationals, Siegfried Mets and Ali Tokman, both convicted of serious narcotics offenses. The decision, announced on Thursday, October 9, 2025, by Coordinating Minister for Legal, Political, and Security Affairs Yusril Ihza Mahendra, marks a significant development following formal requests from the Netherlands and considerations of humanitarian factors.

Details of the Convicts and Their Crimes

Siegfried Mets, aged 73, was sentenced to death for his involvement in a major drug trafficking operation. His case centered on the shipment of 600,000 ecstasy pills from the Netherlands to Indonesia's Tanjung Priok Port in February 2008. Mets is currently incarcerated at the Class I Cipinang Penitentiary. Ali Tokman, 64, received a life imprisonment sentence after being accused of possessing 6,145 grams of Methylene Dioxy Meth Amphetamine (MDMA), with an estimated street value of Rp17.2 billion. He was apprehended by customs officials at Juanda International Airport on December 12, 2014.

Humanitarian Grounds and Diplomatic Engagement

The approval for repatriation was largely influenced by humanitarian considerations. Minister Mahendra specifically cited Mets' health issues and Tokman's advanced age and life sentence as primary reasons for the decision. The move followed a meeting between Minister Mahendra and Dutch Foreign Minister David van Weel in Jakarta. Earlier discussions regarding prisoner transfers had also involved Dutch Ambassador to Indonesia Marc Gerritsen and Eric Bezem, the sanctions director-general at the Dutch Justice Ministry, laying the groundwork for this agreement.

Repatriation Process and Legal Framework

While the Indonesian government has granted approval, a formal agreement for the repatriation is anticipated to be signed in the near future. Minister Mahendra emphasized that this transfer would not alter the verdicts previously rendered by Indonesian courts. Instead, the responsibility for any potential clemency or further legal proceedings will fall to the Dutch government once the convicts are returned to the Netherlands. Indonesia is also actively developing a special law to establish a comprehensive legal framework for prisoner transfer mechanisms, aiming to strengthen future international cooperation in such matters. This initiative aligns with Indonesia's history of repatriating foreign prisoners, including members of the Bali Nine, Mary Jane Veloso, and Serge Atlaoui.

Broader Context of Dutch Nationals in Indonesia

Minister Mahendra noted that there are currently five Dutch citizens serving criminal sentences within Indonesia. However, only Mets and Tokman were specifically requested for repatriation by the Dutch government, indicating a focused approach based on their individual circumstances and the humanitarian factors involved.