Australia ‘revolted’ as Indonesia transfers Bali Nine drug ringleaders to island for execution

Two Australian drug smugglers may be executed this weekend after getting transferred yesterday to the Indonesian island where they will be shot, despite frantic diplomatic efforts to save them.

Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran, the ringleaders of the so-called "Bali Nine" drug-smuggling gang, left Bali's Kerobokan jail in the early hours, said local justice ministry official Nyoman Putra Surya.

The men, sentenced to death in 2006 for trying to smuggle heroin out of Indonesia, "said thank you" before leaving, and "we handcuffed them and they were quiet", he added.

Michael Chan attempted to see his brother Andrew before the transfer but prison officials denied him entry, with Surya saying the decision was taken because "today is not visiting day".

More than 200 police and soldiers - as well as a water cannon - were stationed outside the prison as the men, both in their early 30s, were driven out.

The pair were flown to Cilacap, on Java island, on a chartered flight accompanied by military aircraft.