Jakarta, Indonesia – The Indonesian Ministry of Immigration and Corrections announced the remission of sentences for 155,908 inmates across the archipelago on Saturday, coinciding with the observance of Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijri. The decision, symbolically enacted at the Gunung Sindur Narcotics Penitentiary in Bogor, West Java, by Director General of Corrections Mashudi, reflects a commitment to recognizing positive behavioral changes and participation in rehabilitation programs among prisoners.
Of those receiving remission, 154,785 are prisoners and 1,123 are juvenile inmates, according to ministry officials. A significant portion, 153,642 prisoners, received partial remission, while 1,143 were granted immediate release. Among juvenile inmates, 1,104 received partial reductions, and 19 were released. The Ministry estimates the policy will result in savings of Rp109.2 billion in inmate food costs.
The largest number of beneficiaries reside in West Java, with 18,335 inmates receiving remission, followed by North Sumatra (15,621) and East Java (14,244). Minister of Immigration and Corrections Agus Andrianto, in remarks delivered by Mashudi, stated that the remissions are “a form of state appreciation” for inmates demonstrating positive change. He expressed hope that the initiative would “further motivate inmates to improve themselves and prepare for reintegration into society.”
The Gunung Sindur Narcotics Penitentiary, where the symbolic handover took place, currently houses 753 inmates despite a capacity of only 352, according to Kalapas Khusus Gunung Sindur Wahyu Indarto. To manage the overcrowding, inmates are dispersed throughout the facility’s blocks, including within the housing units themselves. Despite the high inmate population, Indarto stated that staffing levels are adequate, bolstered by support from structural officials, daily shifts, and a security detachment from the Bogor Mobile Brigade.
Lapas Khusus Gunung Sindur focuses on two primary rehabilitation programs: fostering self-reliance and personality development. Indarto highlighted the development of inmate talents, citing the example of the “Sindur Rock Band,” comprised of three inmates, including one named Zul. The facility is also participating in national efforts to bolster food security through inmate empowerment programs, as well as implementing digital service improvements.
Earlier this year, Director General of Corrections Mashudi conducted a virtual briefing with Lapas Narkotika Kelas IIA Gunung Sindur, emphasizing the importance of combating drug trafficking within correctional facilities, optimizing rehabilitation programs, and enhancing service delivery. He also stressed the need for each correctional facility to establish an Induk Koperasi Pemasyarakatan Indonesia (Inkopasindo) – the Indonesian Correctional Cooperative – by the complete of January 2025.
The Ministry of Immigration and Corrections has affirmed that the fulfillment of inmate rights at Lapas Khusus Gunung Sindur adheres to established regulations and incurs no additional costs to inmates. Officials have also indicated a willingness to consider public input for ongoing improvements to the facility.
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