Indonesia's national oversight body, the Ombudsman, conducted a surprise inspection last week at the Class 2A correctional facility within Cibinong prison in Bogor, West Java. This prison, known for its strict security, houses notorious economic criminals and violent offenders.
The Ombudsman, an independent Indonesian agency, is tasked with overseeing public services and investigating allegations of mismanagement or misconduct by government agencies and officials.
Ombudsman member Syafrida Rachmawati Rasahan revealed that prison officials initially denied inspectors access to the cell blocks, despite the presentation of necessary documentation.
After leaving the reception area, the inspection team discovered a fenced-off sub-section within the 4-hectare prison compound. This area contained more than 10 structures resembling homestays, townhouses, and villas, equipped with amenities such as luxury cars, a gym, and a golf simulation room.
Upon entering one of the units, inspectors found sofas, refrigerators, televisions, dining tables, and several bottles of alcohol in the fridge. They also encountered a person who admitted to being an inmate. Recognizing the inspection team, the individual immediately ran into a room.
This "villa" section is separate from the prison's regular inmate housing. Inmates here also enjoy special living conditions, though their identities were not disclosed.
Prison officials explained to the inspectors that these villas were "integration houses", a term for facilities under a community reintegration program for inmates.
However, Fikri Yasin, another Ombudsman member, observed a clear "classification" system within the prison, noting that some units housed only one person, while others accommodated up to four.
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A fully equipped room in the living quarters of some inmates at Cibinong prison. Photo: Ombudsman |
The Ombudsman also reported that one inmate confessed to paying to reside in the villa section, though investigators have not yet determined the specific amount or the recipient of the payment.
"Based on interviews with those living in these units, they did indeed pay a certain amount. It is clear that this activity is being commercialized, and this is an issue we will continue to investigate," said Syafrida.
The oversight body also received a tip from a visitor to an inmate, who stated that her husband, a prisoner in Cibinong, was asked by a cell leader to pay over 8 USD per week.
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Beds and sofas inside the living quarters of some inmates at Cibinong prison. Photo: Ombudsman |
The Ombudsman is investigating who used these facilities and how long they have existed. The agency has demanded that inmates in the villa section be returned to regular detention areas and called for action against involved correctional officers.
A video from inside the luxurious detention area immediately sparked public outrage in Indonesia. Many parliament members and anti-corruption activists called on authorities to disclose the identities of inmates receiving such preferential treatment and to clarify whether prison officials benefited from the arrangement.
Following the revelations, the Indonesian Ministry of Immigration and Correctional Affairs suspended the director, head of security, head of education and guidance, head of order and security, and head of general administration at Cibinong prison.
Ngoc Anh (According to Straits Times, Star, BBC)
