The queen confronts X Hadi

"This issue is like a sieve. Block one hole and the water just comes out another. They cannot put a deterrent in place that will actually deter," said activist Victoria Martin-Iverson of the Refugee Rights Action Network outside the court.

"Before we got involved they couldn't contact their families, and Indonesian authorities didn't know of their existence. Many are depressed and fearful."

Not all, according to Mr Sakidin. "Two boys I took home thought they'd had a kind of heroic adventure, like Indiana Jones. They were treated like returning tourists while we're telling others not to go.

"The people smuggling mafia are using poor fishermen like marine ojek (motorcycle taxis). You have to understand the irony. It's shameful they're getting money that way but you have to see it through their eyes.

"It's irritating international relations. We should be spending our time discussing bigger issues."

When sentencing Riyan and Hadi to the mandatory minimum period, Judge Keen said jailing the men would "bring home the message" that Australia treats people smuggling seriously. Whether anyone in the Archipelago is listening is another matter.

The sentences were back dated and parole allowed after three years. So the men may be deported mid 2013 if they behave.

During the trial six more boats carrying asylum seekers were caught. Each had two or three Indonesian crew. There'll be plenty of business ahead for Australia's courts