Indonesian authorities have suspended five senior prison officials following the discovery of luxury accommodations allegedly provided to selected inmates at Cibinong prison, a medium-security facility near Jakarta. The revelations came after a surprise inspection on September 23 by Indonesia’s national Ombudsman, which uncovered a complex of residential units on prison grounds resembling villas or apartments rather than typical prison housing.
The inspection found at least ten buildings equipped with amenities including air conditioners, big-screen televisions, sofas, dining areas, refrigerators stocked with alcoholic beverages, and large beds. Additional facilities included a gym, a swimming pool, and a golf simulator under construction. An unlocked gate near the compound connected the area to a neighboring bamboo forest, raising concerns over security breaches.
Officials from the Ministry of Immigration and Corrections, led by inspector general Rudi Setiawan, have interrogated dozens of inmates and prison staff regarding the use and management of these units. Although authorities have not publicly disclosed which prisoners resided in the complex, reports suggest some inmates paid to access these unauthorized luxury accommodations. The buildings were originally intended for prison personnel housing but investigators are examining if and how they were repurposed to house inmates.
The prison warden and four other high-ranking officials were suspended and placed under investigation for abuse of authority. According to Setiawan, the ministry’s preliminary findings indicate serious disciplinary violations, which could result in sanctions ranging from demotion to dismissal. Officials have also questioned the suspended warden multiple times and are gathering further evidence before reaching final conclusions on responsibility and possible corruption.
In response to the scandal, authorities demolished the ten residential buildings on September 30. The structures were located along a riverbank where construction is prohibited and were reportedly not registered as government assets. The demolition was carried out following legislative and prison management agreement, with lawmakers emphasizing the need to preserve evidence beforehand. They also called for reforms to remove or regularize unauthorized buildings in prisons across Indonesia to ensure equal treatment of all inmates.
Indonesia’s prison system has long faced criticism for overcrowding, understaffing, and corruption. Reports over the years have documented cases where wealthier prisoners allegedly obtained privileges such as access to drugs, outings, or preferential accommodations in exchange for bribes. The recent findings at Cibinong prison have renewed public scrutiny of these systemic issues.
Lawmakers and anti-corruption activists are urging a thorough investigation into who authorized the conversion of staff housing into luxury inmate residences and whether payments were made to prison officials. The Ministry of Immigration and Corrections is expected to present further findings in parliamentary hearings scheduled in early October. The case highlights ongoing challenges within Indonesia’s corrections system involving transparency, security, and equal treatment of prisoners.