Luxury Cluster Discovery at Cibinong Prison: Starting from Ombudsman Inspection, Five Officials Suspended
JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The Indonesian Ombudsman has uncovered a "luxury cluster" within the Class IIA Cibinong prison, prompting the Ministry of Immigration and Law (Kementerian Imipas) to take action, which included the suspension of five officials.
This discovery emerged from a surprise inspection conducted by the Ombudsman on Wednesday (September 23, 2026).
During a press conference on Thursday (September 24, 2026), Ombudsman member Syafrida Rachmawati Rasahan revealed that investigators found a "luxury cluster" that was housing several inmates.
According to the Ombudsman's observations, the area contained more than ten houses and several luxury vehicles parked nearby.
When the Ombudsman team managed to enter one of the houses, they discovered amenities comparable to those found in an apartment.
These included a living room, a bedroom, a television, a refrigerator, and other facilities.
"We found several housing locations around the prison that appeared to be buildings resembling homestays with blue-painted tin roofs. Inside, there were sofas, refrigerators, televisions, and dining tables," Syafrida stated during the press conference at the Ombudsman office in South Jakarta on Thursday.
She also highlighted the existence of a complete fitness facility and ongoing construction of a golf simulator.
Not only did the Ombudsman uncover opulent facilities, but they also found security vulnerabilities at the Class IIA Cibinong prison, including unlocked exits at the back of the block houses, which led directly to a bamboo forest and a waste disposal area.
Syafrida indicated that through interviews conducted, one resident admitted to paying a sum to access these facilities.
"Based on our interviews at that time, especially with the caretaker of the house, he confirmed he paid a sum, although the exact amount wasnβt mentioned. This situation is indeed commercialized. This is something we need to investigate further," she said.
In addition to the commercialization of housing, Syafrida mentioned that the team also discovered extortion practices within the prison.
She noted this was based on interviews with family members of inmates who were visiting.
"They have mentioned that there are extortion fees they must pay every week. However, it was unclear whether these fees were extorted by officials or among fellow inmates," she remarked.
Following these findings, the Ombudsman has urged the Ministry of Imipas to conduct a comprehensive evaluation regarding the alleged violations.
