Although It's Not Easy, the Government Will Strive for the Repatriation of Prisoner Reynhard Sinaga from England

Kapanlagi.com - The Indonesian government is currently making significant efforts to repatriate Reynhard Sinaga, a convicted sex offender sentenced to life imprisonment in England. This repatriation process involves complex and time-consuming diplomatic negotiations with the British government.

According to Ahmad Usmarwi Kaffah, Special Staff for International Relations at the Coordinating Ministry for Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Correctional Affairs (Kemenko Kumham Imipas), the Indonesian government continues to communicate with the British Embassy. "We will do our utmost to return the individual. In the near future, the British Embassy will negotiate with us. We hope we can realize this repatriation," he stated, as reported by ANTARA.

Not only focusing on negotiations with England, the Indonesian government has also communicated with Reynhard Sinaga's family to understand their views on this case. Ahmad Usmarwi Kaffah added that requests from the family are an important factor that strengthens this repatriation effort.

1. Why Does the Indonesian Government Want to Repatriate Reynhard Sinaga?

The Indonesian government shows deep concern for its citizens who are entangled in legal problems abroad, including Reynhard Sinaga.

In an effort to protect Indonesian citizens facing various legal challenges, Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Corrections, Yusril Ihza Mahendra, emphasized the importance of serious monitoring of Reynhard, especially regarding his safety in a British prison.

In July 2023, shocking news emerged when it was reported that he was targeted in an attack by another inmate at HMP Wakefield, a high-security prison, where Reynhard's arrogant attitude and his brutal crimes made him a target of hatred among the prison population.

2. Considering the Prisoner Exchange Agreement between the Two Countries

The effort to repatriate Reynhard Sinaga is not as simple as turning over a hand; the process must go through the legal channels applicable in both England and Indonesia. One of the alternatives currently being considered is a prisoner exchange agreement between the two countries.

Ahmad Usmarwi Kaffah revealed that the mechanism used for Reynhard's repatriation will differ from previous prisoner repatriation cases, such as those from Australia, the Philippines, and France. "The process here is a prisoner exchange, that’s what we want," he explained.

In practice, Indonesia and England need to reach an agreement regarding an extradition or transfer of detainees. If England agrees to repatriate Reynhard, Indonesia must ensure that his sentence remains in accordance with the court's decision in England.

3. Challenges in the Repatriation of Reynhard

The negotiation for the repatriation of Reynhard Sinaga to Indonesia faces several significant obstacles. One of the biggest challenges is the legal provisions in the UK that require prisoners serving life sentences to serve a minimum period before they can apply for release.

In December 2020, the UK Court of Appeal rejected a request to impose a life sentence without the possibility of parole, and instead extended the minimum prison term from 30 years to 40 years.

In addition to legal issues, Reynhard's reputation as "the worst rapist in the history of English law" further complicates his repatriation process, considering that Manchester police have revealed that he committed sexual offenses against more than 206 men between 2015 and 2017.

4. Views of Reynhard Sinaga's Family

Reynhard Sinaga's family is now taking a proactive stance in supporting the Indonesian government's efforts to repatriate their son to his homeland. Ahmad Usmarwi Kaffah revealed that the request from Reynhard's parents has been a major driving force in this repatriation process.

"The request from the parents is what strengthens us to carry out the repatriation. The process will certainly be different from what has been done with Australia, the Philippines, and France. The process here is a prisoner exchange, that is what we want," said Ahmad Usmarwi Kaffah on Tuesday (5/2) as quoted by ANTARA.

Although Reynhard's father seems to accept the decision of the UK court, this family support could be key in strengthening negotiations with the UK government. However, all final decisions still depend on the agreement between the two countries within the framework of international legal cooperation.

5. Negotiations Are Still Ongoing

The negotiations for the repatriation of Reynhard Sinaga are still ongoing without certainty, while the Indonesian government continues to establish diplomatic cooperation with the UK to find the best scheme for the repatriation of the convict to his homeland.

If both countries manage to reach an agreement, Reynhard has the opportunity to serve his sentence in Indonesia, but under strict supervision to ensure that he complies with all the provisions set by the UK court.

6. Questions and Answers Regarding the Repatriation of Reynhard Sinaga

(kpl/rmt)