Five Indonesian prison officials, including the head of Cibinong prison near Jakarta, have been suspended after investigators uncovered a separate residential compound allegedly being used by inmates and equipped with facilities far removed from conventional prison conditions.
The discovery was made during a surprise inspection by Indonesia’s Ombudsman at the Cibinong prison in Bogor on September 23. Investigators found more than 10 residential units located separately from the prison’s regular cells. The accommodation reportedly contained air conditioners, large-screen televisions, refrigerators, sofas, dining areas and other household amenities. Luxury vehicles were also found in the compound, while a gym and a golf simulator were reportedly being developed.
According to Syafrida Rachmawati Rasahan, a member of the Indonesian Ombudsman, investigators found indications that certain inmates had access to facilities that were not available to ordinary prisoners. The units, she said, appeared more like private homes, apartments or villas than prison accommodation. Investigators also encountered inmates inside the residential area during the inspection.
The revelations have prompted an investigation into how the facilities were established and whether inmates were allowed to use them in return for payments to prison personnel. Rudi Setiawan, inspector general of Indonesia’s Ministry of Immigration and Corrections, said several inmates and prison employees had been questioned as part of the inquiry. Five senior officials, including the Cibinong prison chief, have been suspended while authorities examine their possible involvement.
The buildings were originally intended to serve as official residences for prison employees. Authorities are now investigating whether the premises were subsequently converted into unauthorised accommodation for inmates and whether prison officials were involved in providing access to the facilities.
Cibinong prison, spread over around four hectares, houses a range of inmates, including people convicted of corruption and other high-profile offences. Authorities have not publicly identified the prisoners who allegedly occupied the residential units. Lawmakers, anti-corruption activists and watchdog organisations have called for greater transparency over the identities of those who benefited from the facilities and whether money changed hands to secure preferential treatment.
Further details emerged after authorities began removing furniture and equipment from the compound. Large televisions, air conditioners, refrigerators, sofas and gym equipment were among the items reportedly taken away. Indonesian authorities also ordered the demolition of the unauthorised structures to prevent their continued use. The prison reportedly accommodates more than 1,800 inmates and is among the heavily populated correctional facilities on Java.
The discovery has once again placed Indonesia’s prison system under scrutiny. The country’s correctional facilities have faced allegations for years that wealthy or influential prisoners can obtain privileges unavailable to other inmates. Previous cases have also raised concerns about bribery, overcrowding and unequal treatment inside prisons.
The latest investigation is therefore examining not only who occupied the units but also how such a compound could operate within a functioning prison without being detected earlier. Authorities are expected to determine whether prison staff facilitated the arrangements, whether inmates paid for access and whether any other officials were involved.
The Indonesian Ombudsman is continuing its investigation, while the Ministry of Immigration and Corrections is conducting its own inquiry. The case has also renewed calls from lawmakers and anti-corruption groups for stronger oversight of correctional facilities and action against officials who may have enabled special privileges for selected prisoners.
The controversy comes at a time when Indonesia’s prison system is already facing broader challenges involving overcrowding and allegations of corruption. The discovery of residential-style accommodation inside Cibinong prison has consequently raised questions about whether existing monitoring mechanisms are sufficient to ensure that inmates are treated according to the same rules and standards.
Authorities have yet to announce the final findings of the investigation or disclose what disciplinary or legal action may be taken against officials or inmates found responsible.
