Indonesian minister brings mixed news for Schapelle Corby Schapelle Corby ... uncertainty over prospects for release. The Indonesian Justice Minister met and shook hands with Schapelle Corby on Thursday before pronouncing her hope to be released on parole still confronted "difficulties." But minister Amir Syamsuddin, who met the Australian prisoner as well as Bali Nine members in a surprise visit to Bali's Kerobokan prison, softened the blow by saying that, while tough issues remained, some were "technical" in nature. I am not closing the opportunity, but it's something we need to evaluate. Indonesian Justice Minister Amir Syamsuddin The mixed comments have reportedly been greeted as "positive news" by Corby's sister Mercedes. Mr Amir said that to get parole Corby needed "someone to provide her with work, to earn a living . . . It's a technical matter that we all need to think together to work out. Mercedes and her husband Wayan Widyartha have guaranteed Corby's wellbeing if she is released, but she may face difficulties keeping a job given the psychiatric illness she has suffered in prison. This was cited by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono when granting her clemency and a five-year sentence reduction last year. Mr Amir said: "I am not closing the opportunity, but it's something we need to evaluate. We can't just go with it, because we do face difficulties. The Australian government hurdled one of the barriers to her being granted parole when Foreign Affairs Minister Bob Carr agreed two weeks ago to guarantee Corby's good behaviour until 2017. But Mr Amir said Indonesia would still "need to evaluate if it's enough with just that." He said the Australian government had so far had "no special discussions" about Corby's case or about Mr Carr's guarantee. The other hurdle for Corby, as for all drug smugglers in Indonesia, is a new requirement that they become "justice collaborators" and admit guilt and remorse before they are eligible for parole or annual sentence reductions for good behaviour. Even the Indonesian government seems confused about what this might mean in practice for the hundreds of thousands of prisoners. "Per my understanding of justice collaborator, it's a statement about one's willingness to co-operate with law enforcement to reveal cases known to the person," Mr Amir said. It's very simple. Both he and his deputy, Denny Indrayana, say it's clear prisoners should show willingness to inform on any case, not just their own. If it simply requires a letter expressing this willingness, it is unlikely to hinder Corby's application for parole. But she would also be required to express guilt and remorse for a crime she has never admitted to committing. Mr Amir acknowledged that the country's immigration department, still does not know which visa Corby should be required to live under. "There's a lot of matters that I think are quite difficult for a foreigner to fulfil," Mr Amir said. Until this is sorted out, the Corby family's lawyer is unwilling even to lodge the parole application. The comments are the most comprehensive by Mr Amir on the new laws. He has evaded detailed comment since they were enacted in November, saying only that they are "sensitive" matters. Mr Amir also met members of the Bali Nine on the visit, and commended the workshops they have helped set up, including an art studio, the silver and screening workshops and the computer room. "I will suggest to the provincial chief to file patents on their works," Mr Amir said. "There's a lot of potential . . . to work with overseas partners to market the products made by the prisoners." with Amilia Rosa