‘He’s a big part of my life’: Schapelle Corby discusses her Indonesian boyfriend Ben Panangian and reveals how they make their long-distance relationship work
Schapelle Corby has discussed her long-distance relationship with Indonesian boyfriend Ben Panangian.
The 43-year-old, who will star on Channel Seven’s new military-style reality show SAS Australia, told Sunrise about his ‘important’ place in her life.
‘He is very important. He’s a huge motivator in me,’ she said, adding: ‘He’s a big part of my life.’
‘He’s a big part of my life’: Schapelle Corby discussed her Indonesian boyfriend Ben Panangian and revealed how they make their long-distance relationship work on Sunrise, on Monday
Despite the great distance separating the lovebirds, the convicted Bali drug smuggler insisted that they make the relationship ‘work’.
She explained: ‘It works because we have video chats, we can see each other, it’s not just letters or telephone calls, it’s a video chat.’
‘We speak to each other three or four times a day, it works for us this long-distance relationship,’ she added.
Keeping in touch: Despite the great distance separating the lovebirds, the convicted Bali drug smuggler insisted that they make the relationship ‘work’ thanks you video chat. ‘We speak to each other three or four times a day, it works for us this long-distance relationship,’ she said
Schapelle first met the Indonesian surfer at Kerobokan Prison in 2006. Last year, the couple enjoyed a romantic holiday in Phuket, Thailand.
They only spend ‘two precious weeks a year together’ because Ben is unable to enter Australia due to his criminal record.
Schapelle can return to Indonesia if she chooses, but does not feel ‘comfortable’ doing so yet.
Quality time: She first met the Indonesian surfer at Kerobokan Prison in 2006. Last year, the couple enjoyed a romantic holiday in Phuket, Thailand (pictured). They only spend ‘two precious weeks a year together’ as Ben is unable to enter Australia due to his criminal record
Instead, she and Ben meet in countries where visas are not required for entry.
SAS Australia will see celebrities, such as Roxy Jacenko and Nick ‘The Honey Badger’ Cummins, attempt to pass the selection process to join the Australian Army’s elite Special Air Service.
In 2004, Schapelle became a household name when she was arrested at Bali airport with 4.2kg of cannabis wrapped in plastic inside her boogie board bag – a crime she still denies committing.
Convicted: In 2004, Schapelle became a household name when she was arrested at Bali airport with 4.2kg of cannabis wrapped in plastic inside her boogie board bag – a crime she still denies committing. In May 2005 she was sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment (pictured)
In May 2005, the world watched as she broke down in the Denpasar courtroom after being sentenced to 20 years imprisonment.
Due to a series of sentence reductions, Schapelle was released on parole in February 2014, having served nine years behind bars.
She lived in Bali with family until she was deported back to Australia in May 2017.
SAS Australia premieres Monday at 7:30pm on Channel Seven
Back home: Due to a series of sentence reductions, Schapelle was released on parole in February 2014, having served nine years behind bars. She lived in Bali with family until she was deported back to Australia in May 2017