Merged: Five Aussies arrested in Papua
Quote:
"As soon as the court paperwork was complete, they were expected to make the one-hour flight back to Horn Island in the Torres Strait"
It is good news indeed but who is going to give them a check ride to comply with currency requirements on their aircraft so CASA wont't fine them or send them back due to non complience.
"As soon as the court paperwork was complete, they were expected to make the one-hour flight back to Horn Island in the Torres Strait"
It is good news indeed but who is going to give them a check ride to comply with currency requirements on their aircraft so CASA wont't fine them or send them back due to non complience.
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From Today's Sydney Morning Herald...........
Papua interlopers free to go
Tom Allard in Jakarta
March 11, 2009
FIVE Australians trapped in the Indonesian province of Papua for six months and facing lengthy prison terms for illegally entering the country in a small plane have been freed and hope to return home today.
William Scott-Bloxam, the pilot whose idea it was to take a joyflight to the Papuan city of Merauke without a visa in September last year, said he was "very relieved … very, very happy".
"We went for a long weekend and just stayed a bit longer," he joked.
The original decision by Merauke's district court left Mr Scott-Bloxam facing a three-year prison term for immigration offences, while his passengers - his wife, Vera, Hubert Hufer, Karen Burke and Keith Mortimer - faced two-year stretches.
"All of us were absolutely astounded by the original decision. In fact, the whole of Merauke was, all the people who were looking after us. Nobody expected it. People were crying when it happened."
Until that decision in January, the five had been living in relative comfort in a Merauke home after being placed under city arrest. They were then moved to prison while they prepared and then lodged their appeal.
The appeal was successful yesterday after the High Court of Papua found that the trip was innocent and accepted that Mr Scott-Bloxam had told the air-traffic controller at Merauke airport that he and his passengers did not have visas before he was told to land his plane.
Their initial arrest sparked press speculation that the five were being held on suspicion of being spies.
"That was some journalist's imagination," Mr Scott-Bloxam said. "That did not help us at all. We would certainly be a bunch of geriatric spies."
Mr Scott-Bloxam took the journey to Papua after another pilot had told him he did not need to get a visa. "I should have checked," he said, with some understatement.
Papua interlopers free to go
Tom Allard in Jakarta
March 11, 2009
FIVE Australians trapped in the Indonesian province of Papua for six months and facing lengthy prison terms for illegally entering the country in a small plane have been freed and hope to return home today.
William Scott-Bloxam, the pilot whose idea it was to take a joyflight to the Papuan city of Merauke without a visa in September last year, said he was "very relieved … very, very happy".
"We went for a long weekend and just stayed a bit longer," he joked.
The original decision by Merauke's district court left Mr Scott-Bloxam facing a three-year prison term for immigration offences, while his passengers - his wife, Vera, Hubert Hufer, Karen Burke and Keith Mortimer - faced two-year stretches.
"All of us were absolutely astounded by the original decision. In fact, the whole of Merauke was, all the people who were looking after us. Nobody expected it. People were crying when it happened."
Until that decision in January, the five had been living in relative comfort in a Merauke home after being placed under city arrest. They were then moved to prison while they prepared and then lodged their appeal.
The appeal was successful yesterday after the High Court of Papua found that the trip was innocent and accepted that Mr Scott-Bloxam had told the air-traffic controller at Merauke airport that he and his passengers did not have visas before he was told to land his plane.
Their initial arrest sparked press speculation that the five were being held on suspicion of being spies.
"That was some journalist's imagination," Mr Scott-Bloxam said. "That did not help us at all. We would certainly be a bunch of geriatric spies."
Mr Scott-Bloxam took the journey to Papua after another pilot had told him he did not need to get a visa. "I should have checked," he said, with some understatement.
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"...If that's true about their son dying, that would be an awful experience at the best of times, but not being able to attend the funeral etc. would be heart-breaking."
Konrad was Scotts son from his first marriage and in fact only met both Scott and Vera for the first time when he was 13yrs old.
Konrad moved to Australia a few years back to try to build a relationship with his father Scott, although unfortunately this never quite worked out.
Konrad tragically died on the 27th January 2009 after fighting for his life for 17 days after breaking his neck and drowning, in a swimming accident. His sister (Scotts daughter), mother and aunty were with him.
Konrad was Scotts son from his first marriage and in fact only met both Scott and Vera for the first time when he was 13yrs old.
Konrad moved to Australia a few years back to try to build a relationship with his father Scott, although unfortunately this never quite worked out.
Konrad tragically died on the 27th January 2009 after fighting for his life for 17 days after breaking his neck and drowning, in a swimming accident. His sister (Scotts daughter), mother and aunty were with him.
Last edited by chopper21; 12th Mar 2009 at 23:17. Reason: reference
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It aint over yet....
Papua five's call for help rejected
Tom Allard, Jakarta
March 14, 2009
In legal limbo: William Scott-Bloxam (left), his wife Vera, Keith Mortimer and Karen Burke, with friend Bob Slyney.
ANNOYED, angry and increasingly desperate, the five Australians still stranded in West Papua after six months have called on the Australian Government to send a Customs surveillance plane to whisk them back home.
But the Government rejected the request, saying it could be at least a week before they are granted permission to leave the Indonesian province, despite their acquittal earlier this week by the Jayapura High Court.
William Scott-Bloxam, his wife Vera, Keith Mortimer, Hubert Hofer and Karen Burke have been in detention since September after they took a light plane to West Papua, planning to spend a few days sightseeing and exploring tourist opportunities.
They did not have visas, leading to their arrest for immigration offences, a subsequent guilty verdict and sentences ranging from two to three years in prison and hefty fines.
The sentences were overturned on appeal this week, but the five residents of far north Queensland, aged in their 50s and 60s, remain stuck in West Papua despite originally being told they could make the one-hour journey home to Horn Island in their plane.
Mr Scott-Bloxam's plane is impounded under armed guard because prosecutors said it could be used as evidence in any appeal.
"I'm prepared to leave my plane behind," said Mr Scott-Bloxam, who piloted the aircraft.
"We have asked Canberra through various channels to look at getting us out of here, maybe using one of the surveillance planes they use in the Torres Strait."
A Foreign Affairs Department source confirmed the request but said it was not possible to fulfil it, adding that it could be late next week before the five Australians knew if an appeal would be made to Indonesia's Supreme Court.
Asked if and when an appeal would be lodged, a spokesman for Indonesia's Attorney-General, Jasman Pandjaitan, said: "I think we are still considering it."
As of mid-afternoon yesterday, the Australians were determined to stay at Merauke's airport, fearful they will be arrested if they leave.
This week, Minister for Foreign Affairs Stephen Smith met the Indonesian ambassador in Canberra to press for a quick resolution to the Australians' legal limbo.
Australia's ambassador in Jakarta, Bill Farmer, has also approached senior Indonesian Government officials.
Tom Allard, Jakarta
March 14, 2009
In legal limbo: William Scott-Bloxam (left), his wife Vera, Keith Mortimer and Karen Burke, with friend Bob Slyney.
ANNOYED, angry and increasingly desperate, the five Australians still stranded in West Papua after six months have called on the Australian Government to send a Customs surveillance plane to whisk them back home.
But the Government rejected the request, saying it could be at least a week before they are granted permission to leave the Indonesian province, despite their acquittal earlier this week by the Jayapura High Court.
William Scott-Bloxam, his wife Vera, Keith Mortimer, Hubert Hofer and Karen Burke have been in detention since September after they took a light plane to West Papua, planning to spend a few days sightseeing and exploring tourist opportunities.
They did not have visas, leading to their arrest for immigration offences, a subsequent guilty verdict and sentences ranging from two to three years in prison and hefty fines.
The sentences were overturned on appeal this week, but the five residents of far north Queensland, aged in their 50s and 60s, remain stuck in West Papua despite originally being told they could make the one-hour journey home to Horn Island in their plane.
Mr Scott-Bloxam's plane is impounded under armed guard because prosecutors said it could be used as evidence in any appeal.
"I'm prepared to leave my plane behind," said Mr Scott-Bloxam, who piloted the aircraft.
"We have asked Canberra through various channels to look at getting us out of here, maybe using one of the surveillance planes they use in the Torres Strait."
A Foreign Affairs Department source confirmed the request but said it was not possible to fulfil it, adding that it could be late next week before the five Australians knew if an appeal would be made to Indonesia's Supreme Court.
Asked if and when an appeal would be lodged, a spokesman for Indonesia's Attorney-General, Jasman Pandjaitan, said: "I think we are still considering it."
As of mid-afternoon yesterday, the Australians were determined to stay at Merauke's airport, fearful they will be arrested if they leave.
This week, Minister for Foreign Affairs Stephen Smith met the Indonesian ambassador in Canberra to press for a quick resolution to the Australians' legal limbo.
Australia's ambassador in Jakarta, Bill Farmer, has also approached senior Indonesian Government officials.
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Pretty Ironic.... when I returned to this thread to see if there had been any update as to Scott and Vera's plight (not to forget the other 3), there was a flash ad at the bottom of the page inviting everyone to "Explore exotic Papua New Guinea..get your free brochure."
C'mon people, I know the old adage states "out of sight, out of mind"............ Remember Scottie is a friend who has frequentlly given people the shirt off his back...and the occasional "Stubby" from his Eskie (as long as he has a spare to quaff with you)...
Have there been any updates? I have seen nothing in the Indo newspapers and nothing on TV since they were ordered to leave.
WTFO? for those acronyminally chalenged... What the F**K, Over?
C'mon people, I know the old adage states "out of sight, out of mind"............ Remember Scottie is a friend who has frequentlly given people the shirt off his back...and the occasional "Stubby" from his Eskie (as long as he has a spare to quaff with you)...
Have there been any updates? I have seen nothing in the Indo newspapers and nothing on TV since they were ordered to leave.
WTFO? for those acronyminally chalenged... What the F**K, Over?
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The last report mate is that they are still hanging on for the result of the reappeal of the reappeal and on and on......
Keep checking http://www.torresnews.com.au and you'll find they often cover what's going on with the guys. Make sure you have a grain of salt close by though.....
This is the latest from what I found. Fingers crossed not too much longer.
Keep checking http://www.torresnews.com.au and you'll find they often cover what's going on with the guys. Make sure you have a grain of salt close by though.....
This is the latest from what I found. Fingers crossed not too much longer.
Merauke 5 provide for another 6 months
Sunday, 05 April 2009
Five Torres Strait residents, detained in Indonesia for visa violations, are now expecting to be forced to remain there for up to another six months. "Our information is that any Supreme Court decision could take from four to six months," Karen Burke told the Torres News.
The five have moved from their Merauke Airport and returned to the house where they had been residing previously while awaiting the High Court decision on their appeal against their convictions.
"It’s much more comfortable."
William Henry Scott-Bloxam, 62, was jailed for three years for landing in the region without the required documents on September 12 last year.
His passengers - his 54-year-old wife, Vera; Hubert Hofer, 57; Karen Burke, 51; and Keith Ronald Mortimer, 60 -were jailed for two years each for visa violations.
All have also had financial penalties imposed and Mr and Mrs Scott-Bloxam’s aircraft has been confiscated by the Indonesian authorities.
They had been living in the airport terminal and then a worker’s cottage for more than two weeks after being virtually stopped at the doorstep when returning to Australia. They had refused to leave the airport, fearing they would again be charged with entering Indonesian territory without a visa.
That fear has now abated,
Karen said: "We’re still waiting, just waiting. There’s no news; we’re just waiting."
She said the group is "alright".
"We doing alright; we just wonder if it’s ever going to end.
"We’re just waiting on some positive news so that we can come home."
Sunday, 05 April 2009
Five Torres Strait residents, detained in Indonesia for visa violations, are now expecting to be forced to remain there for up to another six months. "Our information is that any Supreme Court decision could take from four to six months," Karen Burke told the Torres News.
The five have moved from their Merauke Airport and returned to the house where they had been residing previously while awaiting the High Court decision on their appeal against their convictions.
"It’s much more comfortable."
William Henry Scott-Bloxam, 62, was jailed for three years for landing in the region without the required documents on September 12 last year.
His passengers - his 54-year-old wife, Vera; Hubert Hofer, 57; Karen Burke, 51; and Keith Ronald Mortimer, 60 -were jailed for two years each for visa violations.
All have also had financial penalties imposed and Mr and Mrs Scott-Bloxam’s aircraft has been confiscated by the Indonesian authorities.
They had been living in the airport terminal and then a worker’s cottage for more than two weeks after being virtually stopped at the doorstep when returning to Australia. They had refused to leave the airport, fearing they would again be charged with entering Indonesian territory without a visa.
That fear has now abated,
Karen said: "We’re still waiting, just waiting. There’s no news; we’re just waiting."
She said the group is "alright".
"We doing alright; we just wonder if it’s ever going to end.
"We’re just waiting on some positive news so that we can come home."
Latest....
Rudd assures Papua five will get help
Rudd assures Papua five will get helpMay 29, 2009 - 11:09AM
Australian officials are doing what they can to secure the release of five Australians held in West Papua since last September, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd says.
Consular staff had provided extensive assistance to the five since shortly after their detention, he said.
"They have maintained a continuous presence in that part of Papua since September 2008 until January 2009 after which ... (they) made frequent visits to the area to check on their welfare," Mr Rudd told Fairfax Radio Network on Friday.
The next visit is due in June.
Australia was working with Indonesian authorities on what Mr Rudd described as a complex case.
The five - pilot William Scott-Bloxam, his wife Vera, and passengers Keith Mortimer, Hubert Hofer and Karen Burke - say they visited West Papua on September 12 last year to investigate tourism opportunities.
They were arrested after landing and charged with immigration offences.
The five were jailed for two to three years, then freed on appeal, but a travel ban was placed on them by Indonesia's attorney-general until prosecutors could appeal to the Supreme Court.
© 2009 AAP
Australian officials are doing what they can to secure the release of five Australians held in West Papua since last September, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd says.
Consular staff had provided extensive assistance to the five since shortly after their detention, he said.
"They have maintained a continuous presence in that part of Papua since September 2008 until January 2009 after which ... (they) made frequent visits to the area to check on their welfare," Mr Rudd told Fairfax Radio Network on Friday.
The next visit is due in June.
Australia was working with Indonesian authorities on what Mr Rudd described as a complex case.
The five - pilot William Scott-Bloxam, his wife Vera, and passengers Keith Mortimer, Hubert Hofer and Karen Burke - say they visited West Papua on September 12 last year to investigate tourism opportunities.
They were arrested after landing and charged with immigration offences.
The five were jailed for two to three years, then freed on appeal, but a travel ban was placed on them by Indonesia's attorney-general until prosecutors could appeal to the Supreme Court.
© 2009 AAP
THE AGE
Indonesian court to fast-track detained Australians' appeal
Tom Allard, Jakarta
May 30, 2009
INDONESIA'S Supreme Court will fast-track the appeal that will decide the fate of five Australians detained in Papua for more than eight months for visa violations, the judge overseeing the case revealed yesterday.
And separately, the court has assured the lawyers for the five North Queensland residents that its deliberations will ignore submissions from prosecutors highlighting Australia's policy of burning Indonesian fishing boats.
In an extraordinary tangle with Indonesian authorities, William Scott-Bloxam, his wife Vera, Karen Burke, Keith Mortimer and Hubert Hofer have been placed under arrest, found guilty and sentenced to two to three years in prison, freed and told to go home, and then placed under city detention.
They are currently awaiting a final appeal by prosecutors, who want their prison terms reinstated for the offence of flying a light plane to Merauke for a sightseeing trip without the proper paperwork.
The pilot, Mr Scott-Bloxam, had submitted one fight plan but not a second plan required for the politically sensitive region of Papua, where a low-level separatist movement has simmered for decades.
He landed the plane after being told by air traffic controllers that he was clear to do so and would only be fined and questioned for the infringement.
"I have told my team to act quickly. I have told them to prioritise the case," Judge Djoko Sarwoko told The Age yesterday.
Judge Sarwoko, who is the most senior of three justices examining the case, had yet to see submissions but said the judges would decide soon. A verdict is expected next month.
Judge Sarwoko's undertaking follows revelations in The Age yesterday that the prosecutor's submission to the Supreme Court slammed Australia's treatment of Indonesian fisherman who breached its territorial waters. Reaffirming their guilt was "in accordance to the law … unlike our neighbouring country who, without legal process, burn and sink Indonesian fishing boats that enter their territorial borders".
The submission highlighted how the case of the so-called Merauke Five has been infected by broader political and diplomatic issues, explaining why prosecutors from the Attorney-General's office are relentlessly pursuing the Australians.
A lawyer for the five Australians, Muhammed Rifan, said he had met Supreme Court justices yesterday.
Indonesian court to fast-track detained Australians' appeal
Tom Allard, Jakarta
May 30, 2009
INDONESIA'S Supreme Court will fast-track the appeal that will decide the fate of five Australians detained in Papua for more than eight months for visa violations, the judge overseeing the case revealed yesterday.
And separately, the court has assured the lawyers for the five North Queensland residents that its deliberations will ignore submissions from prosecutors highlighting Australia's policy of burning Indonesian fishing boats.
In an extraordinary tangle with Indonesian authorities, William Scott-Bloxam, his wife Vera, Karen Burke, Keith Mortimer and Hubert Hofer have been placed under arrest, found guilty and sentenced to two to three years in prison, freed and told to go home, and then placed under city detention.
They are currently awaiting a final appeal by prosecutors, who want their prison terms reinstated for the offence of flying a light plane to Merauke for a sightseeing trip without the proper paperwork.
The pilot, Mr Scott-Bloxam, had submitted one fight plan but not a second plan required for the politically sensitive region of Papua, where a low-level separatist movement has simmered for decades.
He landed the plane after being told by air traffic controllers that he was clear to do so and would only be fined and questioned for the infringement.
"I have told my team to act quickly. I have told them to prioritise the case," Judge Djoko Sarwoko told The Age yesterday.
Judge Sarwoko, who is the most senior of three justices examining the case, had yet to see submissions but said the judges would decide soon. A verdict is expected next month.
Judge Sarwoko's undertaking follows revelations in The Age yesterday that the prosecutor's submission to the Supreme Court slammed Australia's treatment of Indonesian fisherman who breached its territorial waters. Reaffirming their guilt was "in accordance to the law … unlike our neighbouring country who, without legal process, burn and sink Indonesian fishing boats that enter their territorial borders".
The submission highlighted how the case of the so-called Merauke Five has been infected by broader political and diplomatic issues, explaining why prosecutors from the Attorney-General's office are relentlessly pursuing the Australians.
A lawyer for the five Australians, Muhammed Rifan, said he had met Supreme Court justices yesterday.
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Finally, some good news.....
From Sydney Morning Herald
Indonesian court clears five Australians
Adam Gartrell, South-East Asia Correspondent
June 10, 2009 - 8:09PM
Five middle-aged Australians held for nine months in West Papua for immigration offences have been cleared by Indonesia's Supreme Court, clearing the way for their return home.
The Queenslanders - pilot William Scott-Bloxam, his wife Vera, and passengers Keith Mortimer, Hubert Hofer and Karen Burke - were arrested last September for flying into the troubled Indonesian province without visas or clearance.
Mr Scott-Bloxam was sentenced to three years' jail, and the others to two years.
Their convictions were overturned earlier this year but they were banned from leaving the provincial capital Merauke so that prosecutors could appeal against the acquittals to the Supreme Court.
Supreme Court spokesman Hatta Ali on Wednesday said the court did not agree with the original sentences.
"The judges have refused all appeals from prosecutors," Ali said.
"They (the Australians) are freed."
The group's lawyer, Efrem Fangohoy, said they were very grateful for the decision.
"It is rare to find people who can be just and fair in a situation like this, in a case that involves two countries," he told AAP.
"The judges have been very bold and fair in making their decisions. I'm very proud. This has lifted the nation's dignity."
Once papers have been processed, the group will finally be free to return to Australia, Fangohoy said.
Mark Bousen, a friend of the Australians who has been campaigning for their release, welcomed the decision.
"We've been battling for a while but this is terrific news."
There are strict restrictions placed on visiting Papua, troubled by a low-level separatist insurgency since the 1960s.
© 2009 AAP
Indonesian court clears five Australians
Adam Gartrell, South-East Asia Correspondent
June 10, 2009 - 8:09PM
Five middle-aged Australians held for nine months in West Papua for immigration offences have been cleared by Indonesia's Supreme Court, clearing the way for their return home.
The Queenslanders - pilot William Scott-Bloxam, his wife Vera, and passengers Keith Mortimer, Hubert Hofer and Karen Burke - were arrested last September for flying into the troubled Indonesian province without visas or clearance.
Mr Scott-Bloxam was sentenced to three years' jail, and the others to two years.
Their convictions were overturned earlier this year but they were banned from leaving the provincial capital Merauke so that prosecutors could appeal against the acquittals to the Supreme Court.
Supreme Court spokesman Hatta Ali on Wednesday said the court did not agree with the original sentences.
"The judges have refused all appeals from prosecutors," Ali said.
"They (the Australians) are freed."
The group's lawyer, Efrem Fangohoy, said they were very grateful for the decision.
"It is rare to find people who can be just and fair in a situation like this, in a case that involves two countries," he told AAP.
"The judges have been very bold and fair in making their decisions. I'm very proud. This has lifted the nation's dignity."
Once papers have been processed, the group will finally be free to return to Australia, Fangohoy said.
Mark Bousen, a friend of the Australians who has been campaigning for their release, welcomed the decision.
"We've been battling for a while but this is terrific news."
There are strict restrictions placed on visiting Papua, troubled by a low-level separatist insurgency since the 1960s.
© 2009 AAP
I do hope that 'have been cleared' means that they get to fly home in their own aircraft which was reported earlier as 'confiscated'....
Cheers
p.s. What is the aircraft type guys? Just curious.
Cheers
p.s. What is the aircraft type guys? Just curious.
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Yeah.... they jump in it fly back to Horn Island and get ramped with an out of date MR............
Be careful with the enthusiasm to get home is all I can say. 9 months idle and not inhibited......I bet it was not run regularly either.
Be careful with the enthusiasm to get home is all I can say. 9 months idle and not inhibited......I bet it was not run regularly either.
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He must be a bit troppo to think he was going to get away with just showing up. And an International pilot to boot! Beggars belief. Anyway I hope they get repatriated soon. Nerves would be shot by now.
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I think you will find he was cleared to land by the relevant authorities WITHOUT THE REQUIREMENT OF A VISA. He was then arrested for not having a visa. Good old fashioned Indonesian BS at work.
Good to see the courts threw it all out - giving Indonesia a bit of credibility.
Good to see the courts threw it all out - giving Indonesia a bit of credibility.
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More good news - From SMH
Merauke five could be home within the week
Tom Allard Herald Correspondent in Jakarta
June 17, 2009
AN OFFICIAL from Indonesia's Supreme Court left Jakarta last night for Merauke in Papua carrying the documents granting freedom to the five Australians who have been detained there for nine months.
The unusual method of transporting the documents follows representations by the Australian embassy and paves the way for the long-awaited homecoming later this week of William Scott Bloxam, his wife Vera, Hubert Hofer, Karen Burke and Keith Mortimer.
The Supreme Court, Indonesia's highest appellate court, last week ruled in favour of the so-called Merauke five, who have been imprisoned, briefly released, then placed under city detention again after flying in a light plane to Merauke from Horn Island in the Torres Strait in September last year. They arrived without visas or a security clearance, but had been cleared to land by air traffic controllers who were aware of their lack of correct paperwork.
The Australians, aged in their 50s and 60s, had offered, mid-air, to return to Horn Island if their lack of permits would be a problem. Their lengthy detention occurred after they became the unwitting victims of a payback row stemming from anger in Indonesia about the sinking and burning of its fishing boats by Australian authorities.
Vera Scott Bloxam yesterday said Australian and Indonesian officials had been working overtime to ensure the ruling by the Supreme Court - the third court which has dealt with their case - led to their return home at the earliest opportunity.
More bureaucratic hurdles will have to be overcome in Merauke but Ms Scott Bloxam said the Australians were hoping they could make the one-hour journey home by the end of the week.
Ms Scott Bloxam said an Australian consular officer had been in Merauke since the verdict, working with local officials and doing a "fantastic" job.
The five had previously expressed their deep disappointment with the Australian Government's ineffective efforts to secure their release for so long.
Tom Allard Herald Correspondent in Jakarta
June 17, 2009
AN OFFICIAL from Indonesia's Supreme Court left Jakarta last night for Merauke in Papua carrying the documents granting freedom to the five Australians who have been detained there for nine months.
The unusual method of transporting the documents follows representations by the Australian embassy and paves the way for the long-awaited homecoming later this week of William Scott Bloxam, his wife Vera, Hubert Hofer, Karen Burke and Keith Mortimer.
The Supreme Court, Indonesia's highest appellate court, last week ruled in favour of the so-called Merauke five, who have been imprisoned, briefly released, then placed under city detention again after flying in a light plane to Merauke from Horn Island in the Torres Strait in September last year. They arrived without visas or a security clearance, but had been cleared to land by air traffic controllers who were aware of their lack of correct paperwork.
The Australians, aged in their 50s and 60s, had offered, mid-air, to return to Horn Island if their lack of permits would be a problem. Their lengthy detention occurred after they became the unwitting victims of a payback row stemming from anger in Indonesia about the sinking and burning of its fishing boats by Australian authorities.
Vera Scott Bloxam yesterday said Australian and Indonesian officials had been working overtime to ensure the ruling by the Supreme Court - the third court which has dealt with their case - led to their return home at the earliest opportunity.
More bureaucratic hurdles will have to be overcome in Merauke but Ms Scott Bloxam said the Australians were hoping they could make the one-hour journey home by the end of the week.
Ms Scott Bloxam said an Australian consular officer had been in Merauke since the verdict, working with local officials and doing a "fantastic" job.
The five had previously expressed their deep disappointment with the Australian Government's ineffective efforts to secure their release for so long.