Ombudsman Flags Alleged Transactional Practices at West Java Prison

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian Ombudsman has uncovered alleged transactional practices among inmates at Class IIA Cibinong Prison in West Java through its oversight activities and the Ombudsman Information and Complaint System (SIGAR).

The Ombudsman received numerous reports from former inmates regarding alleged transactional practices within the prison environment. The reported practices were deemed potentially harmful and a violation of inmates' rights during their rehabilitation period.

"We have received many reports from former inmates of Cibinong Prison. These practices are carried out not only by officers, but also among inmates themselves," Indonesian Ombudsman member Syafrida R. Rasahan said during a press conference at the Ministry of Immigration and Correctional Affairs office in South Jakarta on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026.

According to Syafrida, the alleged practices included demands for inmates to provide money to cell leaders. Inmates who could not meet these demands were allegedly subjected to improper treatment.

"When inmates are unable to provide money to the cell leader, they may face abuse. This is a matter that requires serious attention," she said.

Syafrida stressed that oversight needs to be strengthened to prevent inmates from acting arbitrarily toward other inmates. Stronger supervision is needed to ensure that all inmates receive fair treatment while serving their sentences.

She also urged the government to ensure broad access for external oversight of correctional facilities. Such oversight, she said, is essential to ensuring that public services and prison governance comply with existing regulations.

"We hope to be granted the widest possible access to monitor prison services and governance across Indonesia. This access is important so that oversight of prison services and governance can be carried out optimally," Syafrida said.

The Indonesian Ombudsman is an independent state institution tasked with overseeing public services provided by government agencies, state-owned enterprises and other public bodies. It investigates complaints of maladministration and monitors compliance with public service standards.

The Ombudsman also highlighted vulnerabilities in prison oversight and security systems and said public service governance within correctional facilities needs comprehensive improvement.

Syafrida said the Ombudsman had conveyed its findings to the Ministry of Immigration and Correctional Affairs after conducting unannounced visits to several correctional facilities.

"We informed the ministry of obstacles encountered while carrying out oversight duties during unannounced prison visits. This remains a concern for us in ensuring that oversight of prison conditions and governance is conducted in accordance with regulations," she said.

She said the Ombudsman found potential vulnerabilities in building control and prison security systems that require serious attention. The agency also identified alleged unequal treatment among inmates, which the ministry should further investigate through its Inspectorate General.

"We found alcoholic beverages in prison cells and luxury vehicles inside prison grounds. We also identified potential bribery attempts during unannounced prison visits," Syafrida said.

According to her, the findings indicate weaknesses in prison oversight and public service governance. She added that there is still significant room for improvement in managing Indonesia's correctional system.

"We are ready to collaborate with the Ministry of Immigration and Correctional Affairs to improve prison governance so that oversight and public services can be strengthened. Such collaboration is needed to improve correctional governance as a whole," she said.

The Ombudsman has therefore submitted several recommendations to the ministry, including strengthening oversight and security systems and ensuring equal treatment for all inmates.

"We ask the ministry to conduct a comprehensive inspection of Class IIA Cibinong Prison. The inspection should include reviewing facilities and buildings that may not comply with applicable regulations," Syafrida said.

She emphasized that any review of prison facilities should not automatically involve demolishing existing structures. Inspections should first ensure facilities are used according to their intended functions and existing regulations. "Ensuring equal treatment and services for all inmates and the public is the most important thing," she said.

The Ombudsman also called for stronger internal oversight through comprehensive, tiered, and continuous mechanisms. Evaluations should also be carried out regarding staff assignments and rotations, as well as inmate placement management.

"The management of inmate placement needs to be evaluated to ensure equal treatment for all inmates. We encourage stronger prevention mechanisms against potential extortion and transactional practices within correctional facilities," Syafrida said. (Misni Parjiati)