‘Second chance’: Pastor who advocated for Bali Nine’s release hails act of ‘compassion’ in releasing five remaining members

The Bali Nine members face a brave new world following their release by Indonesian authorities - with one Aussie pastor hailing the group’sAnthony Albanese has hailed the release of the remaining Bali Nine as an “act of compassion” from Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto.

A leading Australian pastor has hailed the release of five members of the Bali Nine back to Australia as a “second chance” for them to reintegrate into society.

Bayside Church pastor Christie Buckingham said it was a huge and humbling milestone to have the five men back home on Australian soil.

Pastor Buckingham walked alongside Myuran Sukumaran as his spiritual adviser in the final moments before his execution in 2015. 

She continued to campaign against capital punishment which resulted in her taking on a pastoral care role inside Kerobokan prison were the men were held.

“I am delighted and grateful Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto made the transfer a reality,” she said.

“It is a moment which represents a second chance — an opportunity for these men to reintegrate into society, contribute meaningfully, and demonstrate the growth they have undergone over two decades.

“Their journey has been one of profound reflection, resilience, and redemption.”

Scott Rush, Matthew Norman, Si-Yi Chen, Martin Stephens and Michael Czugaj were flown to Darwin to stay at the Howard Springs quarantine facility before they are released. Picture: Supplied

She said it remained her hope the experience of the men would be a powerful reminder of the devastating consequences of poor choices.

She urged Australians to support the men as they begun their new chapter allowing them time and space to rebuild their lives.

“The power of forgiveness, rehabilitation, and humanity has been at the heart of this journey, and I pray this next phase will be marked by healing and hope for the men, their families, and all who have walked alongside them,” she said.

Scott Rush, Matthew Norman, Si-Yi Chen, Martin Stephens and Michael Czugaj were flown to Darwin to stay at the Howard Springs quarantine facility before they are released.

They have spent their first day back on Australian soil after returning from Indonesia on Sunday night.

It is unknown how long they will stay there or when they will be reunited with their families after serving 19 years in an Indonesian prison over an attempted drug smuggling operation.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has hailed the release of the remaining Bali Nine as an ‘act of compassion’ from Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto. Picture: NewsWire / Martin Ollman

Anthony Albanese hailed the release of the remaining Bali Nine as an “act of compassion” from Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto.

The federal government announced on Sunday that the last five members of the drug smuggling ring were being freed after nearly 20 years behind bars in Indonesia.

Australian governments sought to free them over the years to no avail, prompting questions around the Albanese government’s change in tact.

The Prime Minister on Monday insisted there was no “payback arrangement”.

“No, this is an act of compassion by President Prabowo and we thank him for it,” Mr Albanese told reporters in Sydney.

“After 19 years in Indonesian prison, it was time for them to come home, and I had the opportunity to speak to a number of the parents, last night, of these people.

“They are grateful that their sons have been able to return home.

“They did a serious crime and they have rightly paid a serious price for it, but it was time for them to come home.”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the men had committed a serious crime and they have rightly paid a serious price for it, but it was time for them to come home. Picture: NewsWire / Gaye Gerard

Scott Rush, Matthew Norman, Si-Yi Chen, Martin Stephens and Michael Czugaj touched down in Australia on Sunday.

They were serving life sentences in Indonesia for their involvement in smuggling heroine out of the fiercely culturally conservative country.

Mr Albanese has enjoyed a good relationship with Mr Subianto, who visited Canberra in August ahead of his inauguration to sign a bilateral defence treaty.

Mr Subianto has reworked his strongman image amid dark allegations he was involved in disappearing student activists while heading an elite military force used to stamp out domestic unrest under former dictator Suharto.

He was discharged from the military over the kidnappings but maintains he did not play a direct role.