Indonesian authorities have suspended five prison officials, including a prison chief, after investigators discovered a compound of luxury, apartment-style residences built inside a penitentiary near Jakarta. The unauthorized accommodations, found at the Cibinong prison in Bogor, featured high-end amenities including air conditioners, large-screen televisions, refrigerators, sofas, a gym, and a golf simulator under construction. Luxury vehicles were also spotted on the grounds.
The discovery occurred on September 23 during a surprise inspection by the Ombudsman, Indonesia’s public-service watchdog. Syafrida Rachmawati Rasahan, an Ombudsman member, reported strong indications that certain inmates enjoyed access to special facilities unavailable to ordinary prisoners, describing the units as resembling homestays, apartments, and villas rather than prison housing. The structures were originally intended as official housing for prison staff, but investigators are examining whether they were illegally converted into private accommodations for inmates.
Rudi Setiawan, the inspector general of the Ministry of Immigration and Corrections, announced on Tuesday that five structural officials suspected of responsibility had been suspended. Investigators have already questioned dozens of inmates and prison employees. The four-hectare facility holds a mix of prisoners, including individuals convicted of high-profile corruption, though authorities have not yet officially disclosed who occupied the luxury units.
The incident has drawn widespread public attention and renewed scrutiny of Indonesia’s corrections system, which has struggled for years with overcrowding and allegations that wealthy inmates can buy special privileges. Lawmakers, anti-corruption activists, and watchdog groups are calling on authorities to identify the prisoners involved and investigate whether prison personnel accepted bribes in exchange for the luxury accommodations.