Five officials at Indonesia’s Cibinong prison near Jakarta have been suspended after an ombudsman investigation uncovered an apartment‑style compound that included air‑conditioners, big‑screen televisions, sofas, dining areas, a gym and a golf simulator under construction.
The inspectors discovered more than ten residential units separate from standard prison cells, with furnishings and amenities that resemble home stays, apartments and villas rather than typical prison housing. The complex, originally intended for staff housing, was found to contain facilities that could accommodate inmates in a manner resembling private residences.
The revelations have drawn widespread public attention and intensified scrutiny of Indonesia’s corrections system, which has long struggled with overcrowding, corruption and allegations that wealthy or well‑connected prisoners can obtain preferential treatment through bribery. Lawmakers, anti‑corruption activists and watchdog groups have called for a full inventory of the prisoners who occupied the compound and an investigation into whether prison officials received payments for these privileges.
Rudi Setiawan, inspector general of the ministry of immigration and corrections, said that dozens of prisoners and staff had been questioned and that five senior officials, including the Cibinong prison chief, were suspended pending further inquiry. The investigation will examine whether the residential units were converted into unauthorized accommodation for inmates and whether any illicit payments were made to secure the privileges.
