Indonesian court sentences an Australian to 12 years in prison for smuggling cocaine to Bali

Thursday, December 18, 2025 -An Indonesian court has sentenced an Australian national to 12 years in prison after convicting them of smuggling cocaine into Bali. 

The ruling underscores Indonesia’s strict stance on drug-related crimes, particularly in popular tourist destinations where authorities remain on high alert. The verdict was delivered following a trial that drew attention from both Indonesian and Australian officials.

Prosecutors said the drugs were discovered during airport inspections, with the court rejecting arguments for leniency. Judges emphasized the seriousness of narcotics offenses and the harm they pose to society, noting that foreign nationals are not exempt from Indonesia’s tough drug laws.

The sentence reflects the government’s continued zero-tolerance approach, which carries severe penalties including long prison terms.

The case has reignited warnings from Australian authorities urging travelers to respect local laws when abroad. Legal experts say the ruling serves as a clear reminder that Indonesia’s judicial system enforces drug offenses decisively and without exception. For tourists and expatriates alike, the message is clear: violations carry life-altering consequences.