Bali drug accused and Melbourne nightclub promoters paraded at Independence Day celebrations

Two Melbourne nightclub figures behind bars in Bali after being arrested at a nightclub for allegedly carrying drugs, have taken part in Indonesia’s Independence Day celebrations.

Two Melbourne nightclub figures facing drug charges in Bali have been paraded in front of media during Indonesia’s Independence Day celebrations.

Barefoot and wearing orange prison overalls, David Van Iersel looked awkward as he held an Indonesian flag and plate of traditional food while flanked by smiling uniformed officers.

Australian David Van Iersel celebrates Indonesia’s Independence day inside the detention of Denpasar Police Station in Bali. Picture: Police Handout

Later, he and co-accused William Cabantog mumbled through a rendition of the Indonesian national anthem.

The duo were arrested on July 19 at Canggu’s Lost City Nightclub and are alleged to have been carrying 1.12 grams of cocaine — which could carry a charge of 12-years in prison.

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Australian David Van Iersel joins other detainees celebrating Indonesia’s Independence day. He was arrested with his friend William Cabantog at Lost City nightclub in Canggu. Picture. Police Handout

It could not be further from the glamorous life they had led with a posse of Insta-famous friends, champagne-fuelled days on the ocean and dancing into the night just kilometres in away in Bali’s ultra-hip beachside area of Canggu.

Media was allowed to watch as the island celebrated the 74th anniversary of Independence Day — or Merdeka, which means freedom in Indonesian.

Bali Nine member Matthew Norman walks out from his tower cell after the Indonesia's Independence Day in Bali. Picture. Lukman S. Bintoro

Governor of Bali I Wayan Koster also announced pardons and sentence reductions as part of the celebrations.

The Bali Nine’s Si Yi Chen after Indonesia's Independence Day in Bali. Picture. Lukman S. Bintoro

Byron Bay woman Sara Connor had five months sliced off her five-year prison sentence for her part in the death of a Bali police officer in 2016, while reviled convicted Australian paedophile Robert Andrew Fiddes Ellis, 73, was also named a beneficiary with five months wiped off his 15-year term.

Australian Sara Connor inside the kitchen of Denpasar Women Prison in Bali. Picture: Lukman S. Bintoro

Bali Nine member Matthew Norman inside Kerobokan jail after Indonesia's Independence Day in Bali. Picture. Lukman S. Bintoro

Bali Nine members Matthew Norman and Si Yi Chen met with representatives from the Australian government before heading back into their cells.