The issue of people smuggling continues to dominate political and public debate in Australia as well as Indonesia. SBS' Luke Waters reports from South Sulawesi, Indonesia on the human side of the story.
Currently there are dozens of Indonesians in Australian jails awaiting trials for offences relating to illegal boat arrivals.
Brisbane Lawyer Peter Russo is defending eight such cases and recently visited Indonesia to gain a better understanding of his client's backgrounds, lives and motivation.
As the debate over mandatory sentencing polarises Australians one senior Indonesian police officer is proposing even harsher measures.
But it appears unlikely to slow the trade with asylum seekers already in custody in Indonesia vowing to try again to get to Australia.
SBS also travelled to the remote Gowa district to meet detained Afghan asylum seekers determined to keep trying their luck until they reach Australia.
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