Family spokesman James Bellamy said the defence team would argue de Malmanche was not a drug trafficker but a trafficked person.
"The defence that we are running is a new defence in Indonesia. He's not a trafficker, he's a trafficked person - he was manipulated across borders," the Auckland man said.
"Nobody doubts his innocence - you're dealing with a man who's very trusting, very naive and very easily manipulated. The fact of the matter is these drug cartels are very clever and highly trained in psychological manipulation."
De Malmanche has been moved from police custody to Kerokoban prison and Mr Bellamy said the legal team was in contact with him in every day.
"He's actually holding up really well. Where he is now is a huge improvement from where he was," he said. "A least now he can get fresh air and exercise. He's on a monthly allowance of US$250 ($330). Really you need something in there to be able to buy decent food."
Mr Bellamy said de Malmanche's supporters were feeling positive about the upcoming trial.
"Everybody believes, 100 per cent of the team, that he's innocent. That makes the job easier. There's no point approaching this without confidence," he said. "I think the public are becoming more supportive. In the beginning they were more scathing."
The start of the trial was delayed last week and is set to begin next Tuesday. Mr Bellamy is flying over with New Zealand lawyer Craig Tuck, but an Indonesian legal team has to represent de Malmanche in court.
"Craig is working pro bono, but we have to pay the Indonesian legal team. Craig Tuck's a brilliant barrister, he's a hard hitter. The defence strategy he's devised, I think, is the best hope of either acquittal or a lighter sentence."
Mr Bellamy said the support had been gratefully received by de Malmanche's family who had put a lot on the line.
"They're a young family. The sons are all in their 20s, they got kids, they're in relationships," he said. "The sacrifice for the family is huge - it's a matter of life or death."
-Those wanting to donate to tomorrow's garage sale can contact Rebecca on 022 325 9658. The garage sale will be held at Grace Baptist Church in Indus St, starting at 7am.