After 19 years in Indonesia's prison system, the five remaining members of the Bali Nine drug smuggling ring have returned to Australia.
Australian citizens Matthew Norman, Scott Rush, Martin Stephens, Si Yi Chen, and Michael Czugaj have been repatriated following a deal struck with Indonesia and returned to Australia on Sunday afternoon.
In a statement on Sunday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the government conveyed its "deep appreciation" to the Indonesian government for its cooperation to facilitate the men's return to Australia "on humanitarian grounds".
"I have conveyed my personal appreciation to President Prabowo for his act of compassion," Albanese said.
"These Australians served more than 19 years in prison in Indonesia.
"It was time for them to come home."
The Australians were arrested in 2005 after trying to smuggle heroin and five members remain behind bars serving life sentences in Bali.
They include Scott Rush, Matthew Norman, Si-Yi Chen, Martin Stephens and Michael Czugaj.
Myuran Sukumaran and Andrew Chan were executed by firing squad in Indonesia in 2015. Credit: aap
Ringleaders Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran were executed in 2015, sparking a diplomatic incident with Australia, while Renae Lawrence was released in 2018 and Tan Duc Than Nguyen died of cancer the same year.
Indonesia and Australia had been discussing a potential deal regarding the repatriation of the remaining five this year.
Indonesia's minister for law Yusril Ihza Mahendra earlier this month said in a joint press conference after meeting with Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke in Jakarta on Tuesday there was hope a final deal could be reached as soon as possible.
A draft proposal was handed to Australia during the meeting.
Jakarta had been reportedly seeking the repatriation of Indonesian prisoners held in Australia as part of any deal.
The government's statement on Sunday said the men will "have the opportunity to continue their personal rehabilitation and reintegration in Australia".
With additional reporting by the Australian Associated Press.
