The high-profile case began in 2005 when Indonesia caught nine young Australians trying to smuggle 8.3kg (18lb) of heroin out of Bali strapped to their bodies. The eight men and one woman were arrested at an airport and hotel in Bali after a tip-off from Australian police.

The men were the last Australians still imprisoned in Indonesia for trying to smuggle heroin in 2005, in a case that became a diplomatic flashpoint between the countries.

The five remaining members of the so-called Bali Nine drug-smuggling ring have returned to Australia after serving nearly two decades in Indonesian prisons.

Australia's prime minister says five Australians who have spent almost 20 years in Indonesian prisons for heroin trafficking have returned to Australia under a deal struck between the two governments

The five men have returned to Australia after having the rest of their life sentences commuted “on humanitarian grounds.”

Prime minister Anthony Albanese confirmed the return of Matthew Norman, Scott Rush, Martin Stephens, Si Yi Chen, and Michael Czugaj in a statement on Sunday. "These Australians served more than 19 years in prison in Indonesia. It was time for them to come home," Mr Albanese said.

Despite Indonesia’s preference, the men will not serve any further prison time here. The government has given no quid pro quo for the return of the five.

Five of the so-called “Bali Nine” prisoners were returned to Australia, more than 19 years after their arrests in a drug smuggling case that periodically damaged ties with Indonesia.

The five remaining members of the Australian "Bali Nine" drug ring say they are "relieved and happy" over their return home after 19 years in jail in Indonesia."These Australians spent more than 19 years in prison in Indonesia.