Summary The luxury facilities were discovered during a raid by Indonesia's Ombudsman at the Cibinong Class IIA Prison
(Web Desk) - Five prison officials have been suspended after a surprise inspection uncovered an apartment-style compound equipped with air conditioners, large-screen televisions and a swimming pool for VIP prisoners at a jail near Indonesia's capital.
The luxury facilities were discovered during a raid by Indonesia's Ombudsman at the Cibinong Class IIA Prison, sparking public criticism over alleged special treatment for wealthy or influential inmates.
Located outside Jakarta, the four-hectare prison houses inmates convicted of various serious offences, including white-collar crimes.
The Ombudsman team, accompanied by journalists, noticed a fenced-off area inside the prison and questioned authorities about it. Guards reportedly initially attempted to prevent inspectors from entering the area.
After gaining access to the compound behind the prison chief's residence, investigators found at least 10 residential units equipped with air conditioners, sofas, refrigerators, dining areas and household appliances.
Local media reports said investigators also found expensive vehicles, including Toyota Alphard and Toyota Fortuner models. A swimming pool, gym and a golf simulator facility under construction were also reportedly discovered inside the compound.
Investigators further found a rear access route through a bamboo forest and a garbage area that allegedly allowed people to enter or leave the prison while bypassing official checkpoints.
During a parliamentary hearing, Indonesian Ombudsman member Syafrida Rachmawati Rasahan said the findings could represent only a small part of wider systemic problems if the issue was not properly addressed.
She said there was clear evidence that some prisoners had access to facilities unavailable to ordinary inmates, adding that prisoners were found inside the residential compound and that its facilities resembled houses, apartments and villas rather than standard prison accommodation.
