BALINEWSID.COM, BADUNG – Indonesian immigration authorities have deported a 59-year-old Australian national, identified by the initials MS, after he completed an 18-year prison sentence and a period of supervision under a conditional release program for a narcotics offense.

MS was deported to Sydney, Australia, on Friday night, September 4, 2026, after spending 11 days at the Denpasar Immigration Detention Center (Rudenim Denpasar). The deportation was carried out as an Immigration Administrative Action under Article 75 paragraph (1) of Law No. 6 of 2011 on Immigration.

The case dates back to October 1, 2010, when MS was arrested by Customs and Excise officers at the international arrivals terminal of I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali shortly after arriving from Bangkok, Thailand, on AirAsia flight FD 3677.

Authorities found approximately 1.7 kilograms of methamphetamine concealed inside a hollow section of the wall of the suitcase he was carrying.

During the trial, MS, who said he worked as a Thai boxing coach in Thailand and was also involved in business activities, denied knowing that the drugs were inside the suitcase. He claimed the suitcase belonged to an acquaintance he had met in Bangkok.

However, the Denpasar District Court found him guilty of violating Article 113 paragraph (2) of Law No. 35 of 2009 on Narcotics and sentenced him to 18 years in prison.

After serving his sentence, MS received a total remission of 37 months and 30 days. In 2023, he was granted conditional release under a decision issued by the Indonesian Minister of Law and Human Rights. He remained under the supervision of the Denpasar Class I Probation and Parole Office until his supervision period ended on August 19, 2026.

MS was subsequently handed over to the Singaraja Class II Immigration Office for immigration processing. As his deportation could not be carried out immediately and his passport had expired, he was transferred to Rudenim Denpasar on August 24, 2026, for temporary detention while arrangements for his deportation were made.

Denpasar Rudenim Head Teguh Mentalyadi said the detention center coordinated with the Australian Consulate General to ensure that MS’s travel documents and other requirements were completed.

After 11 days in detention, and once his travel documents, ticket and administrative requirements had been finalized, MS was deported to Sydney under the escort of Denpasar Rudenim officers.

Teguh stressed that Indonesia would not provide room for foreign nationals involved in criminal offenses, particularly narcotics-related crimes.

“This case demonstrates that Indonesia does not provide room for foreign nationals involved in criminal offenses, particularly narcotics,” Teguh said.

MS also faces the possibility of a lifetime entry ban from Indonesia under Article 102 of Law No. 6 of 2011 on Immigration. The decision on the ban will be determined by the Directorate General of Immigration.