JAKARTA, Indonesia -- Five Indonesian officials, including the chief of Cibinong Prison, have been suspended in connection with an alleged luxury inmate compound discovered at the penitentiary near the capital. The incident has intensified calls for a broader investigation into Indonesia's prison system.
Watchdog investigators from Indonesia's Ombudsman found more than 10 residential units, described as resembling homestays, apartments, and villas, during a surprise inspection on September 23. These units, located within the 4-hectare Cibinong Prison in Bogor, near Jakarta, were equipped with amenities such as air conditioners, large televisions, refrigerators, and sofas. Investigators also reported finding a gym and a golf simulator under construction, along with luxury vehicles.
"We found strong indications that certain inmates had access to special facilities unavailable to ordinary prisoners," said Ombudsman member Syafrida Rachmawati Rasahan. "We encountered inmates inside the residential compound and discovered facilities resembling homestays, apartments and villas rather than prison housing."
Rudi Setiawan, inspector general of the Ministry of Immigration and Corrections, stated that dozens of inmates and prison employees have been questioned as part of the ongoing inquiry. "We have suspended five structural officials, including the Cibinong prison chief, who are suspected of being responsible for the incident uncovered by the Ombudsman," Setiawan said.
The Cibinong Prison houses a mix of inmates, including those convicted of corruption and other high-profile individuals. The identities of the inmates allegedly occupying these special facilities have not yet been officially released.
Lawmakers, anti-corruption activists, and watchdog groups are urging authorities to identify the prisoners who used the accommodations and to investigate whether prison officials accepted bribes for these privileges. Setiawan noted that investigators are examining whether the buildings, originally intended as housing for prison personnel, were illegally converted for inmate use.
This discovery marks the latest in a series of challenges for Indonesia's corrections system, which has long been plagued by overcrowding and persistent allegations of corruption. These issues have fueled concerns that wealthy or well-connected inmates can obtain preferential treatment and privileges unavailable to the general prison population.