2 days ago
Indonesia Suspends Five Prison Officials Over Alleged Luxury Inmate Housing
Investigators inspected a prison near Jakarta in Indonesia.
They found special rooms that looked more like apartments than prison cells.
The rooms reportedly had air conditioners, televisions, sofas and double beds.
Some inmates were allegedly allowed to use these rooms.
A gym and golf simulator were also being built.
Five prison officials, including the prison chief, were suspended.
Authorities are asking how the rooms were used and whether officials took money.
The identities of the inmates involved have not been publicly disclosed.
Five Indonesian prison officials, including the Cibinong prison chief, were suspended during an investigation.
Ombudsman investigators found more than 10 residential units separate from ordinary cells at Cibinong prison.
The units reportedly contained air conditioners, televisions, sofas, dining areas and double beds.
A gym and golf simulator were reportedly under construction, while expensive cars were also found.
Authorities are investigating whether officials converted staff housing for inmates and accepted payments for special treatment.
- Who
- Five prison officials, including the Cibinong prison chief, were suspended; inmates and prison employees were questioned.
- What
- Authorities are investigating alleged special housing and privileges for certain inmates in an apartment-style compound.
- Where
- Cibinong prison in Bogor, near Jakarta, Indonesia.
- When
- The surprise inspection took place on September 23, and the suspensions were reported on Tuesday.
- Why
- The officials were suspended over suspected responsibility for unauthorized inmate housing and possible preferential treatment.
Investigators and Authorities
Lawmakers, Activists and Watchdogs
Nature of the facilities
Investigators and Authorities
Investigators and corrections officials say the compound may have been unauthorized housing for inmates and have suspended five officials while examining what happened.
Lawmakers, Activists and Watchdogs
Lawmakers, anti-corruption activists and watchdog groups argue that authorities must identify the inmates who used the facilities and determine whether officials received payments.
Preferential treatment
Investigators and Authorities
Authorities have not established publicly that bribes were paid, and the investigation into the facilities and possible official involvement is continuing.
Lawmakers, Activists and Watchdogs
Critics say the discovery renews concerns that wealthy or well-connected inmates may obtain privileges unavailable to ordinary prisoners through bribery.
Key facts
- Prison
- Cibinong prison
- Location
- Bogor, near Jakarta, Indonesia
- Officials suspended
- Five, including the prison chief
- Residential units found
- More than 10
- Reported facilities
- Air conditioners, big-screen televisions, sofas, dining areas and double beds
- Additional construction
- A gym and golf simulator
- Investigation
- Authorities are examining whether staff housing was converted for inmates and whether payments were made for privileges.
Quotes
Syafrida Rachmawati Rasahan
Member of Indonesia’s ombudsman
“We found strong indications that certain prisoners had access to special facilities unavailable to ordinary prisoners. We encountered prisoners inside the residential compound and discovered facilities resembling home stays, apartments and villas rather than prison housing.”
freepressjournal.in
“We have suspended five structural officials, including the Cibinong prison chief, who are suspected of being responsible for the incident uncovered by the ombudsman.”
freepressjournal.in
Sources
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