The Ombudsman confirmed that there is a group of houses inside Chibinon Prison. (Photo provided by Indonesian Ombudsman, taken from Daily News)
Suspects of special treatment have recently emerged in Chibinong Prison in West Java Province, Indonesia. During a surprise inspection, the inspectors originally tried to enter the prisoner living area, but were refused by the prison authorities. Later, about 300 meters away from the main prison building, they found more than a dozen buildings that looked like residential areas. Not only were refrigerators, bedrooms, kitchens and other equipment inside the houses, but there were also gyms, luxury cars, and even facilities suspected of golf simulators nearby.
Japanese media reported that the incident occurred during a surprise inspection on the 23rd. The independent state agency inspector was originally supposed to inspect the living area of the prisoners, but the prison refused to allow him to enter. The inspector turned to check nearby and found a residential area about 300 meters away from the prison building. Ombudsman Yassin described these as "grand homes" in an interview with local magazine Tempo.
The Department of Corrections subsequently conducted an internal investigation, and three bottles of whiskey and one bottle of beer were found in a refrigerator in one of the buildings, bringing more attention to the purpose of these residences. The investigation also confirmed that there are two local prisoners serving sentences for corruption. Both were sentenced to 10 years in prison for corruption cases involving state-owned tin company PT Timah.
However, prison authorities deny that these facilities are "luxury accommodation" for prisoners. The prison said the residences were actually used by staff and that the two inmates identified were located in an area designated for the social reintegration program. As for the equipment that outsiders thought looked like a golf simulator, the prison explained that it was actually part of the "locker room facilities."
According to the prison department, there are 16 housing units in the area, 13 of which are not registered as state property. The English newspaper "The Jakarta Post" reported that outsiders suspected that bribes might be accepted in exchange for prisoners receiving special treatment.
This incident has once again drawn attention to the issue of special treatment in Indonesian prisons. The report pointed out that in Indonesia, the preferential treatment of wealthy and influential prisoners has been a controversial issue.
Similar cases have occurred in the past. While Tommy Suharto, the third son of former President Suharto, was imprisoned for the murder of a Supreme Court judge in the early 2000s, he reportedly used an air-conditioned private cell in a Jakarta prison while being able to meet visitors and conduct business freely.
In 2019, the same prison in Chibinon was also found to have luxurious facilities for corrupt prisoners. The reappearance of housing, alcohol and other special facilities this time has once again put the spotlight on whether there is special treatment for specific prisoners in Indonesian prisons.
