Yesterday, an inspection ordered by Indonesia’s Ombudsman revealed a startling scene at Cibinong Prison in Bogor, West Java. Officials walked past what looked like a row of apartment‑style units, positioned just outside the main security fence that surrounds the detention blocks.
Initial reports say the units have electrical wiring, cabinets, and even space to grow small plants – a stark contrast to the basic barracks many expect in a high‑security facility. Rumor has it that inmates are actually living in them, a claim that has sparked debate among human‑rights advocates about the legality and ethics of such accommodations.
Officials say the units were constructed by prison staff and are intended for use by inmates with long‑term sentences, offering them a “home‑like” environment. However, critics point out that providing such comforts could create inequality between prisoners, potentially undermining the uniformity of treatment that the law mandates.
The Ombudsman’s team took photos and video footage of the units, and Liza Tambunan, the BBC’s Asia correspondent, gives a detailed walk‑through of the facilities in the accompanying video. Tambunan notes that the units are accessible only through heavily guarded gates, raising concerns about security and oversight.
Indonesia’s prison system is currently under scrutiny, with calls for reforms intensified by overcrowding and reported abuses. This discovery adds a new layer of complexity to the conversation about inmates’ welfare and the balance between security and humane treatment.
