Indonesia has initiated discussions with Britain to repatriate Reynhard Sinaga, a 41-year-old man convicted in the UK for assaulting 48 men. Sinaga, found guilty in Manchester in 2020, drugged and assaulted men whom he lured to his flat from local bars and clubs over a span of two years.
Sinaga's sentence stipulates a minimum of 30 years in prison for a total of 159 offenses committed between January 2015 and May 2017. Yusril Ihza Mahendra, Indonesia's senior minister for law and human rights affairs, disclosed that talks with the British government are in the early stages. The method of repatriation is yet to be determined, whether through a prisoner transfer or an exchange with a British inmate in Indonesia.
Yusril asserted the responsibility of the country to safeguard its citizens, even if they have erred. He acknowledged the complexities involved in negotiations with the British government.
Indonesia is also pursuing the repatriation of Riduan Isamuddin, known as Hambali, implicated in several violent attacks, including the 2002 Bali bombings. Sinaga can seek leniency in accordance with British regulations after completing 30 years in prison.
Sinaga's family has engaged with Indonesian authorities to facilitate his return. Yusril emphasized that Sinaga would be detained in a high-security facility upon his repatriation, highlighting potential risks if he remains in the UK.
Sinaga, residing in the UK since 2007, targeted inebriated or vulnerable young men, incapacitating them with sedatives. The investigation into his assaults marked the largest in British legal history.