Key facts
- Five senior prison officials, including the head of Cibinong Prison, have been suspended.
- The suspensions follow the discovery of suspected luxury accommodation for VIP inmates.
- Facilities found included villa-like residences, luxury cars, a gym, and a golf simulator.
- The Indonesian Ombudsman conducted an unannounced inspection on September 23.
- Prison officers initially described the buildings as 'assimilation houses'.
- One inmate acknowledged paying for accommodation in the special residences.
Five senior officials at Cibinong Prison in Bogor, West Java, have been suspended after Indonesia's national ombudsman discovered suspected luxury accommodation for VIP inmates on the prison grounds. The discovery was made during an unannounced inspection on September 23 by the Ombudsman, an independent state institution that oversees public services.
Ombudsman inspectors initially faced obstruction and were refused entry to the prison's cell blocks. However, they later found a fenced-off area containing over 10 residential units, some resembling homestays, terraced houses, and villas. Inside one residence, investigators found a sofa, refrigerator, television, dining table, and bottles of alcohol. An occupant identified himself as an inmate.
Prison officers claimed the buildings were "assimilation houses" for prisoner reintegration, but Ombudsman members noted that some residences housed multiple inmates while others had only one, suggesting classification. One inmate acknowledged paying a sum for accommodation, and a visitor reported her husband was asked to pay 150,000 rupiah (approximately S$10.70) weekly.
In addition to the residential units, inspectors found luxury vehicles, including a Toyota Alphard and Toyota Fortuner, a gym, and a golf simulator under construction. An unsecured route near a rubbish disposal area was also identified, potentially allowing unauthorized entry and exit.
On September 26, the Ministry of Immigration and Correctional Affairs suspended the prison warden, the head of prison security, and three other officials. Inspector-General Rudi Setiawan stated that the suspensions are part of an internal investigation. The ministry's team is also examining discrepancies between the Ombudsman's documentation and their own inspection findings, including tracing missing items. They have questioned 52 inmates and plan to interview approximately 50 staff members. Director General of Corrections Mashudi, however, denied the accusations during a parliamentary hearing on Monday.