Indonesia investigates privileges for inmates at Cibinong prison — Channel NewsAsia

Indonesian authorities are investigating reports that inmates at Cibinong prison in the city of Bogor, West Java province, were given access to separate housing and expensive amenities. The inquiry was launched after a surprise inspection conducted by the Indonesian Ombudsman on September 23.

Separate houses and amenities

As Channel NewsAsia reports, inspectors found a group of residential premises separated from regular cells on the complex grounds. According to Tempo, there were about 13 houses of various types behind the prison warden's official residence, some of which were occupied by inmates.

The Jakarta Post, citing the ombudsman, reported that inmates could occupy at least 10 houses in the complex. The premises included apartment-style rooms with air conditioners, televisions, sofas and refrigerators. Inspectors also found a gym, a golf simulator and parking areas with expensive cars.

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Staff inspection

The ombudsman said access to these amenities was provided for payment. According to The Jakarta Post, one inmate allegedly paid 160,000 Indonesian rupiah, or about US$8.90, per week.

Rudy Setiawan, inspector general at the Ministry of Immigration and Corrections, said the houses were intended for prison staff. He said authorities seized a photograph of one inmate, whom Tempo described as a prominent convict in a corruption case, and are continuing the investigation.

As of September 26, according to Tempo, 52 inmates had been questioned, while inspections were planned for 54 prison staff members. Five facility officials were suspended from work, including the prison warden and the heads of penitentiary security, inmate education and general affairs units.