I am pleased to confirm that Australian citizens Matthew Norman, Scott Rush, Martin Stephens, Si Yi Chen, and Michael Czugaj have returned to Australia this afternoon.
I want to express my gratitude to President Prabowo for Indonesia's cooperation and commitment to working with Australia on this matter.
I have conveyed my personal appreciation to President Prabowo for his act of compassion.
The five men have been returned to Australia under an arrangement agreed between our two countries.
Australia respects Indonesia's sovereignty and legal processes and we appreciate Indonesia's compassionate consideration of this matter.
The five men committed serious offenses.
Australia shares Indonesia's concern about the serious problem illicit drugs represents.
The Government will continue to cooperate with Indonesia to counter narcotics trafficking and transnational crime.
These Australians served more than 19 years in prison in Indonesia.
It was time for them to come home.
The Australian Government has consistently provided consular support to these men and to their families.
They will now have the opportunity to continue their personal rehabilitation and reintegration here in Australia.
This outcome reflects the very strong relationship that exists between Indonesia and Australia.
We ask that the media respect the privacy of the men and their families at this time.
