Mary Jane Returns to the Philippines: Expressing Deep Gratitude and Love for Indonesia

Kapanlagi.com - Mary Jane Veloso, a death row inmate in a drug smuggling case, has finally returned to her birthplace, the Philippines, after 14 years of serving her sentence in Indonesia. This historic moment took place on Tuesday night, December 17, 2024, as Mary Jane left the Pondok Bambu Class II A Women’s Correctional Institution and headed to Soekarno-Hatta Airport.

During her last journey in Indonesia, Mary Jane could not hold back her emotions. She expressed her deep gratitude to the people and government of Indonesia for the support provided and for the approval of her repatriation process. Her sincere and emotional words touched the hearts of many. "Thank you Indonesia, I love Indonesia," she said before stepping into the vehicle that would take her to the airport.

This moment stands as a silent witness to Mary Jane's long journey, filled with twists and hopes, and marks a new chapter in her life.

1. Handing Over Process at Soekarno-Hatta Airport

Mary Jane Veloso began her important journey from Pondok Bambu Prison at 19:17 WIB, wearing a simple black t-shirt. Under tight security, she was escorted in a black van to Soekarno-Hatta Airport, Tangerang.

Upon arrival at the airport, the official handover process of the inmate started at 21:00 WIB, where I Nyoman Gede Surya Mataram, Acting Deputy for Immigration and Corrections Coordination at the Ministry of Law and Human Rights, handed Mary Jane over to a representative of the Philippine Embassy.

"The repatriation of Mary Jane is a symbol of victory for diplomacy and the good relations between the Philippines and Indonesia," said Philippine Deputy Minister Eduardo Jose De Vega. Finally, Mary Jane flew back to her homeland with Cebu Pacific Airlines at 00:05 WIB on Wednesday (18/12/2024), carrying new hopes in her life.

2. Stages of Mary Jane's Transfer to the Philippines

The process of Mary Jane's repatriation began with important steps as she arrived at Pondok Bambu Prison on Monday, December 16, 2024. There, she underwent a series of health checks, administrative verifications, and the signing of the handover minutes.

As part of the transfer procedure, Mary Jane also participated in an environmental orientation program provided by the prison. The success of this repatriation was made possible by the approval of the Philippine government on all the conditions submitted by Indonesia, through a practical agreement signed on December 6, 2024, in Jakarta by Coordinating Minister for Law and Human Rights Imipas Yusril Ihza Mahendra and the Philippine Deputy Minister of Justice, Raul Vasquez.

3. Mary Jane's Thank You to President Prabowo

Before returning to her homeland, Mary Jane could not hide her deep gratitude to President Prabowo Subianto and Coordinating Minister for Law and Human Rights, Yusril Ihza Mahendra.

"Thank you Mr. Prabowo, Minister Yusril, and all the people of Indonesia who have supported me. God bless," she expressed sincerely.

Waving to journalists with a broad smile, Mary Jane expressed her overflowing happiness after being separated from her hometown for 14 years.

4. Indonesian-Philippine Diplomacy in the Mary Jane Case

The return of Mary Jane Veloso to her homeland is not just a legal matter, but also reflects the close diplomatic cooperation between Indonesia and the Philippines.

In an emotional moment at the airport, Philippine Deputy Minister Eduardo Jose De Vega stated, "The Indonesian people, you are friends of the Philippines. We will always remember this kindness." He also reaffirmed the Philippines' commitment to uphold the agreements that have been made, including ensuring that Mary Jane undergoes legal processes in accordance with applicable regulations.

5. The Mary Jane Case: A Long Journey in Indonesia

Mary Jane Veloso, a woman from the Philippines, shocked the world when she was arrested at Adisutjipto Airport in Yogyakarta in April 2010 with 2.6 kilograms of heroin in her possession. The death sentence handed down by the Sleman District Court in October 2010 sparked a wave of international attention, especially due to allegations that she was a victim of a drug syndicate's trap.

Pressure from civil society, the Philippine government, and human rights organizations moved Indonesia's heart to postpone the execution, making this case not just a legal issue, but also a humanitarian struggle involving many parties.

6. Why was Mary Jane Veloso repatriated to the Philippines?

Mary Jane finally returned to her homeland after the Philippine government submitted a request, which was approved by Indonesia. This step was taken as part of a practical agreement aimed at advocating for her legal rights in her own country.

7. What is the reason Indonesia did not execute Mary Jane?

Mary Jane's execution was postponed after a shocking claim emerged stating that she was a victim of human trafficking and caught in the web of a cunning drug syndicate.

8. What is the role of diplomacy in the case of Mary Jane Veloso?

Mary Jane's repatriation is a tangible proof of the close relationship between Indonesia and the Philippines in handling legal cases involving their citizens.

(kpl/srr)