Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — The Indonesian government is considering the repatriation of Encep Nurjaman, also known as Hambali, the perpetrator of Bali bombing, detained at the U.S. military prison in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
The announcement came from Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Corrections, Yusril Ihza Mahendra, after attending an event hosted by the Legal Journalists Association (Iwakum) in Jakarta on Friday night, January 17, 2025.
Hambali, a former militant leader of Jamaah Islamiyah is accused of orchestrating the 2002 Bali Bombings, one of Southeast Asia’s deadliest terrorist attacks.
After evading capture for years, he was eventually apprehended and detained without trial at Guantanamo Bay at the request of the United States government. However, despite his prolonged detention, Hambali has yet to face trial, leaving his legal status unresolved for over two decades.
“Regardless of his actions, Hambali is an Indonesian citizen. No matter what our citizens have done abroad, it is our responsibility to pay attention to their plight,” Yusril stated, as reported by Antara.
According to Yusril, under Indonesian law, Hambali’s case may have surpassed the statute of limitations. The acts of terrorism attributed to Hambali occurred approximately 23 years ago.
“Under Indonesian law, even for crimes punishable by death or life imprisonment, there is a statute of limitations. If more than 18 years have passed, the case can no longer be prosecuted,” Yusril explained.
Hambali Potential Repatriation
Discussions on Hambali’s potential repatriation will continue, with plans to consult President Prabowo Subianto and engage with the U.S. government, Yusril added.
“There is also uncertainty over jurisdiction—whether it lies with the United States or Cuba—since Guantanamo is located on Cuban territory. Hambali has been detained there for a very long time without trial,” Yusril noted.
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The minister emphasized that the proposal to repatriate Hambali reflects the government’s commitment to addressing the legal issues faced by Indonesian citizens abroad.
“This demonstrates that we don’t only focus on foreign inmates in Indonesia, but also prioritize the welfare of Indonesians facing legal challenges overseas,” Yusril concluded.
(Raidi/Agung)
