Indonesia Weighs Island Rehabilitation for Drug-Use Prisoners Amid Cost Concerns

Indonesia is considering moving prisoners convicted in drug cases who are users to uninhabited islands for rehabilitation.

The plan is intended to help ease overcrowding in prisons and detention centres.

The government has said the islands could involve military and police training, along with activities such as farming or fishing.

A lawmaker says the idea has been discussed for about two years but warns that building facilities and docks on a new island could cost a lot.

He says Nusakambangan already has unused land and supporting infrastructure.

He also suggested amnesty for some categories of prisoners as another way to reduce overcrowding, but said its implementation needs clarification.

The government has not announced a final location or next steps in the information provided.