+34
The discovery of the compound has renewed scrutiny of Indonesia’s prisons, which have long faced allegations that well-connected inmates can obtain preferential treatment through bribery
Double beds, aircon and big-screen TVs: Indonesia suspends officials over luxury prison cells Indonesia’s prisons have long faced allegations that well-connected inmates can obtain preferential treatment through bribery Five Indonesian prison officials have been suspended after investigators found an apartment-style compound complete with airconditioners, big-screen televisions and expensive cars allegedly used by inmates at a prison near Jakarta.
“We found strong indications that certain prisoners had access to special facilities unavailable to ordinary prisoners,” said Syafrida Rachmawati Rasahan, a member of Indonesia’s ombudsman, on Tuesday. “We encountered prisoners inside the residential compound and discovered facilities resembling home stays, apartments and villas rather than prison housing. ”Photograph: Ombudsman Republik Indonesia/Facebook Investigators also reported finding sofas and dining areas in the units, and a gym and golf simulator under construction in the complex.
The incident has drawn widespread public attention and renewed scrutiny of Indonesia’s prisons, which have long faced allegations that wealthy or well-connected prisoners can obtain preferential treatment through bribery. The allegations centre on Cibinong prison in Bogor, near Jakarta, where investigators from the ombudsman found more than 10 residential units separate from regular prison cells during a surprise inspection on 23 September, Rasahan said.
Rudi Setiawan, inspector general of the ministry of immigration and corrections, said dozens of prisoners and prison employees had been questioned as part of the 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 four-hectare Cibinong prison houses a mix of prisoners, including those convicted of corruption and other high-profile prisoners. The identities of prisoners allegedly living in the compound have not been officially disclosed.
Photograph: Ombudsman Republik Indonesia/Facebook Lawmakers, anti-corruption activists and watchdog groups have urged authorities to identify which prisoners occupied the facilities and whether prison officials accepted payments in exchange for the privileges. The buildings were originally intended as official housing for prison personnel, but investigators are examining whether they were converted into unauthorised accommodation for prisoners, said Setiawan.
The case is the latest embarrassment for the corrections system in Indonesia, which has struggled for years with overcrowding, corruption and repeated allegations that affluent prisoners can buy privileges unavailable to the broader prison population.
Please follow us on Google to support usAustralia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News: You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Study Finds Double-Dipping Transfers Bacteria to Shared Dips but Risk to Health Is LowA study testing salsa, chocolate sauce and cheese dip found bacteria transferred to all three, with salsa showing the most contamination. Experts say double-dipping is probably less of a health risk than poor hand hygiene.
Read more »
CCTV reveals obsessive planning behind Sydney double murder trialCourt proceedings expose premeditated surveillance and staging activities of former NSW police officer Beau Lamarre-Condon, accused of killing TV presenter Jesse Baird and Luke Davies, with defense claiming accidental self-defense.
Read more »
Former Police Officer Beau Lamarre-Condon Faces Murder Trial for Double HomicideA jury has reviewed crime scene photographs of bloodstains at the Sydney home where Jesse Baird and Luke Davies were shot dead in February 2024. Former officer Beau Lamarre-Condon has pleaded not guilty to two counts of murder, with his defense team citing self-defense and alleging two separate struggles, while the prosecution claims the killings were driven by obsessive infatuation and stalking.
Read more »
Suspect Charged in Northern NSW Double Murder InvestigationA 32‑year‑old man faces two counts of murder after investigators discovered the bodies of a 79‑year‑old and a 59‑year‑old on a property in Gurranang, NSW. The suspect was arrested at a Grafton hospital and charged with theft of a motor vehicle.
Read more »