Indonesia set to deport Australian surfer who apologized for drunken rampage

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Indonesia to Expel Australian Surfer Who Apologized for Drunken Misconduct

An Australian surfer who expressed remorse for his intoxicated and unclothed rampage in the conservative Muslim province of Aceh is set to be deported by Indonesian authorities on Saturday.

Bodhi Mani Risby-Jones, a 23-year-old from Queensland, was apprehended in late April on Simeulue Island, a popular surfing destination, after the police accused him of causing harm to several individuals during a drunken episode, resulting in serious injuries to a local fisherman.

Following his participation in a restorative justice process, Risby-Jones was released from prison on Tuesday. He tendered an apology for his actions and agreed to provide compensation to the injured fisherman, thereby avoiding a trial and potential assault charges that could have led to a maximum prison sentence of five years.

According to his lawyer, Idris Marbawi, both parties reached an agreement for Risby-Jones to reimburse the fisherman’s family for hospital expenses and participate in a traditional peace ceremony. The total compensation amounted to 300 million rupiah ($20,000). The fisherman underwent surgery in Banda Aceh, the capital of Aceh province, to address fractures and leg infections.

Marbawi stated, “Risby-Jones is the first foreigner to successfully resolve a case through restorative justice in Aceh province. He deeply regrets the incident and has pledged to return to Indonesia for surfing.”

Following his release, Risby-Jones remained at an immigration detention center. He is scheduled to depart for Melbourne on Saturday evening, as confirmed by Marbawi.

Video footage of his release on Tuesday depicted Risby-Jones being escorted by officers to a bus, where he bid farewell and embraced several prison wardens. He expressed his relief, stating, “It’s been a long time coming, and I’m feeling amazing, super happy, and grateful. Everyone has been very kind and accommodating. Thank you.”

Instances of violence involving foreigners are uncommon in Aceh, the only province in predominantly Muslim Indonesia that follows Sharia law—an arrangement established in 2001 by the central government as part of efforts to resolve a protracted struggle for independence. Alcohol sale and consumption are strictly prohibited in Aceh, and individuals found intoxicated have been publicly caned.

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