Five Indonesian prison officials have been suspended following a surprise inspection that uncovered Indonesia luxury prison cells at the Cibinong facility near Jakarta. The ombudsman discovered the unauthorized apartment-style compound on 23 September.

Surprise Inspection Reveals Villa-Style Units

Inspectors found more than 10 residential units separate from regular prison cells during the surprise inspection on 23 September. The apartment-style compound included several unauthorized amenities for the inmates:

• •Airconditioners and big-screen televisions
• •Expensive cars allegedly used by the prisoners
• •Sofas and dining areas inside the residential units
• •A gym and golf simulator under construction in the complex

Syafrida Rachmawati Rasahan, an ombudsman member, noted that the residential compound contained facilities resembling home stays, apartments and villas rather than standard prison housing.

Official Suspensions And Ongoing Inquiry

Rudi Setiawan, inspector general of the ministry of immigration and corrections, confirmed that five structural officials, including the Cibinong prison chief, were suspended. Setiawan stated that dozens of prisoners and prison employees had been questioned during the ongoing inquiry. The buildings were originally intended as official housing for prison personnel, and investigators are currently examining whether they were converted into unauthorised accommodation for prisoners.

Undisclosed Occupants And Calls For Action

The four-hectare Cibinong prison houses a mix of prisoners, including those convicted of corruption and other high-profile individuals. However, the identities of prisoners allegedly living in the luxury compound have not been officially disclosed. Rasahan stated that the ombudsman found strong indications that certain privileged prisoners had access to these special facilities. Lawmakers and anti-corruption activists urged authorities to identify which specific prisoners occupied the facilities and investigate potential bribery.

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