JAKARTA | Indonesian authorities on Wednesday demolished 10 unauthorized buildings inside Cibinong Prison in Bogor after an Ombudsman inspection uncovered an apartment-style compound allegedly used by inmates who received privileges unavailable to ordinary prisoners.
Workers removed furniture and appliances, including large-screen televisions, refrigerators, air conditioners, sofas and fitness equipment, before excavators brought down the buildings. The demolition followed a surprise inspection by Indonesia’s Ombudsman on September 23, which found more than 10 residential units outside the prison’s regular cell blocks.
The Ombudsman said some of the buildings resembled homes, apartments or villas and contained bedrooms, living areas, dining spaces and other amenities. Investigators also found a gym, a golf simulator under construction and luxury vehicles in the compound. One access point at the rear reportedly led toward a bamboo forest, raising additional security concerns.
The Ombudsman said its investigators encountered an inmate inside one of the residences but were prevented by prison personnel from interviewing him. It also reported receiving a complaint alleging weekly illegal payments of 150,000 Indonesian rupiah from inmates in another part of the prison. The allegations remain under investigation.
Indonesia’s Ministry of Immigration and Corrections has suspended five senior prison officials, including the Cibinong prison chief, while investigators examine how the facilities were built and occupied. Ministry Inspector General Rudi Setiawan said dozens of inmates and prison employees had been questioned.
The ministry said the buildings were originally intended as housing for prison personnel, but investigators are examining whether they were improperly converted into accommodations for inmates. Officials have also been investigating who authorized or allowed the occupation and whether money changed hands.
The demolition came after Indonesia’s parliamentary Commission XIII inspected the site and called for the removal of unauthorized structures. Officials said the buildings were not registered as state assets, while further investigations are being conducted into their construction, use and management.
The Cibinong facility houses more than 1,800 inmates and includes prisoners convicted of corruption and other serious offenses. Authorities have not publicly identified all of the inmates who allegedly occupied the luxury accommodations. Indonesia’s Ombudsman confirmed separately that corruption convict Jimmy Masrin was present in the luxury compound during its inspection, based on information and photographs gathered by investigators.
The case has renewed scrutiny of Indonesia’s correctional system, which has faced longstanding concerns over overcrowding, corruption and unequal treatment of prisoners. Previous investigations have also raised allegations that wealthy or well-connected inmates could obtain better conditions or privileges behind bars.
The controversy comes as Indonesia’s corrections authorities promote reforms focused on rehabilitation, transparency and improved prison services. The Ministry of Immigration and Corrections said earlier this month that its 2026 programs included skills training, productive work and rehabilitation initiatives for inmates across the prison system.
Authorities have yet to announce final findings on who financed the Cibinong buildings, who authorized their use or whether prison officials accepted payments. The ministry is continuing its investigation, with further scrutiny expected from lawmakers and the Ombudsman.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
