Trial begins for crew 'paid' to turn back

A payment of $US30,000 allegedly given to an asylum boat crew by Australian authorities who wanted them to return to Indonesia will be the subject of questioning at trial next week.

The captain of the boat is being tried separately to five crew members who took the 65 people back to Indonesia's Rote Island after an encounter with Australian Border Force in May.

Prosecutor Alexander Sele says the captain will be tried for people smuggling, carrying a maximum penalty of 15 years' jail and a $150,000 fine, while the crew face charges of five years' jail for sailing unlicenced.

The prosecution indictment does not explain the alleged payment, and it will not be tendered as evidence in court, but it will be the subject of questioning.

"We only mentioned that when they were sent back, they were each given $US 5000," Mr Sele said.

"About that, we'll see more in the trial later."

The prosecution will call witnesses when the trial resumes next week.