Tourists and residents alike can expect delays and traffic congestion around Kuta, Bali, over the next week as international media swarms the holiday hotspot ahead of the deportation of Australian drug convict Schapelle Corby.
Corby was convicted of smuggling marijuana into Indonesia in May 2005 and was initially sentenced to 20 years imprisonment at Bali’s Kerobokan Prison. Her sentence was reduced in 2005 and she was released on parole in February 2014. Parole conditions meant she was to stay in Bali for a period to check in with authorities, but she will finally return to Australia next Saturday, May 27.
Surung Pasaribu, Head of Bali’s Prison Division, told Australian media parole officers would provide security around Corby’s villa until the deportation.
Authorities are yet to release further details of the process of deportation, with Corby expected to visit the parole office before heading to Ngurah Rai Airport in Denpasar.
While commuters are likely to face worse than usual traffic, the Corby family has pleaded for the growing press pack to leave.
“Please give her some privacy, stop (being) in front of the house, just leave her alone please,” sister Mercedes told Australian media.
Corby had been found carrying five kilograms of marijuana hidden in her luggage after arriving in Bali. She has long maintained her innocence, suggesting the drugs had been planted by staff of the airline. The high-profile case led to a brief breakdown in relations between Indonesia and Australia as well as an investigation into the conduct of Australian authorities.