Indonesia has received a formal request from France to transfer Serge Atlaoui, a French national who has been on death row in Indonesia since 2005 on drug charges. The development signals potential progress in the 61-year-old welder’s case, which has drawn high-level diplomatic pressure from Paris in recent years.
Indonesia Considers French Prisoner Transfer Request
Senior Indonesian law and human rights minister Yusril Ihza Mahendra confirmed that the government received an official letter on December 19, 2024, from the French minister of justice requesting the transfer of Atlaoui. Mahendra stated that the request would be discussed in early January following the holiday period.
Atlaoui was arrested in 2005 at a drug factory on the outskirts of Jakarta, where Indonesian authorities accused him of being a “chemist” in the operation. Despite maintaining his innocence and claiming he was merely installing machinery in what he thought was an acrylics plant, Atlaoui was initially sentenced to life in prison. However, Indonesia’s supreme court later increased his sentence to death on appeal in 2007.
Renewed Hope Amid Recent Repatriations
The French request comes on the heels of Indonesia agreeing to transfer several high-profile foreign detainees on death row in recent weeks, including:
- Mary Jane Veloso, a Filipina domestic helper
- The last five members of the notorious “Bali Nine” drug ring
These developments have raised hopes for other foreign nationals languishing on death row in Indonesia, which is known for its tough drug laws and willingness to execute convicted drug traffickers, including foreigners.
Atlaoui’s Brush with Execution and Diplomatic Pressure
Atlaoui narrowly escaped execution in 2015, when he was slated to face the firing squad alongside eight other drug convicts. Intense diplomatic pressure from Paris secured him a temporary reprieve, with Indonesian authorities agreeing to allow an outstanding legal appeal to run its course.
The father of four has steadfastly maintained his innocence throughout his ordeal, insisting he was unaware of the true nature of the facility where he was contracted to work.
France has consistently advocated for Atlaoui’s release, with the case becoming a diplomatic flashpoint between Paris and Jakarta. While Indonesia has not carried out any executions since 2016, the government recently signaled its intention to resume capital punishment for convicted drug offenders.
Cautious Optimism and Uncertain Future
Although the formal transfer request from France represents a glimmer of hope for Atlaoui and his supporters, his fate remains uncertain. Indonesia has a history of resisting international pressure when it comes to enforcing its strict drug laws, viewing narcotics as a scourge that warrants the harshest of punishments.
As Indonesia prepares to review France’s request in the coming weeks, Atlaoui’s family and supporters will be anxiously awaiting news of his potential repatriation. The outcome of this case could also have implications for other foreign nationals on death row in Indonesia, as diplomatic efforts to secure their release or transfer continue.
For now, Serge Atlaoui remains in an Indonesian prison, his life hanging in the balance as two nations navigate the complex diplomatic and legal channels that could determine his ultimate fate. As the world watches, the case serves as a stark reminder of the severe consequences faced by those caught up in Indonesia’s uncompromising stance on drug-related offenses.
