Cindy Wockner, an ABC journalist and author of 'The Pastor and the Painter,' shares her insights on the Bali Nine case. She discusses the potential repatriation of the remaining members after nearly 20 years in Indonesian prisons. Wockner reflects on the emotional toll of their experiences, the transformations they underwent in prison, and the heartbreaking legacy of the executions. Additionally, the complexities of clemency efforts and the ongoing pursuit for a second chance are highlighted, sparking cautious optimism for their future.
The Bali Nine's rehabilitation efforts within Kerobokan prison highlight the inmates' desire for personal transformation through artistic and educational initiatives.
Recent political changes in Indonesia, particularly under President Prabowo Subianto, may allow for the potential transfer of the Bali Nine members to Australia.
Deep dives
Background of the Bali Nine Case
In 2005, nine young Australians, known as the Bali Nine, were arrested while attempting to smuggle over eight kilograms of heroin from Bali to Australia. The group included ringleaders Andrew Chan and Myron Sukumaran, who later faced execution by firing squad in 2015 despite international pleas for clemency from the Australian government. The arrests took place at Denpasar Airport and a hotel, where police discovered the drugs strapped to the bodies of the accused. This high-profile case raised significant public and governmental tension between Australia and Indonesia regarding drug trafficking laws and penalties.
Rehabilitation Efforts in Prison
While serving their sentences in Bali's Korobakan Prison, several members of the Bali Nine demonstrated remarkable rehabilitation. Andrew Chan and Myron Sukumaran initiated programs that helped transform them and fellow inmates through art and education, with Chan leading a Christian church and Sukumaran teaching art. Matt Norman and Si Ye Chen, also part of the group, contributed by setting up English and computer classes while providing support to other prisoners. These efforts showcase the potential for reform and the inmates' desire to improve their lives despite their past mistakes.
Potential for Clemency Under New Leadership
A recent political shift in Indonesia may provide hope for the Bali Nine, as the newly inaugurated President Prabowo Subianto appears more open to discussions regarding their clemency. Following a meeting between the Australian Prime Minister and President Subianto at the APEC summit, statements indicated an approval in principle for the transfer of the five remaining Bali Nine members to Australia on humanitarian grounds. The move has raised cautious optimism among the imprisoned men, who have endured nearly 20 years in prison, fostering hopes for a possible return home. Speculation surrounds the details of their return, leaving many anxiously awaiting further developments.
For almost 20 years they’ve sat in prisons in Indonesia, for trying to smuggle heroin out of Bali, but the five remaining members of the so-called Bali Nine could be returned to Australia soon.
As a former foreign correspondent, it’s a story Sam Hawley knows well, because she went inside Kerobokan prison for a week in 2017.
She spoke with two members of the Bali Nine, Si Yi Chen and Matt Norman and has followed their story ever since.
Today, Sam speaks with Cindy Wockner, who was also a correspondent at the time, about the deal being worked on that might bring them home.
Featured:
Cindy Wockner, ABC journalist, author of The Pastor and the Painter and co-author of Bali 9: The Untold Story
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