Bogor, en.SERU.co.id – The Indonesian Ombudsman found several luxury facilities at Class IIA Cibinong Prison in Bogor Regency during a surprise inspection on Wednesday, 23 September 2026. The findings include residential clusters, fitness facilities, and plans for a mini-golf area. The inspection was also marked by attempts to obstruct the Ombudsman team and allegations of illegal levies imposed on inmates’ families.
Ombudsman RI member Fikri Yasin said the team was initially blocked by officers when trying to enter the residential block area. Some of the findings were successfully documented despite the rejection and physical scuffles with officers.
“We came with an official assignment letter to conduct public service supervision. However, Cibinong Prison officers temporarily refused the team entry to certain areas. The situation even heated up to the point of physical contact between officers and members of the Ombudsman team,” said Fikri, as quoted from the Ombudsman website on Friday, 25 September 2026.
Despite the obstacles, the Ombudsman team managed to record the exterior and interior of several buildings and even met inmates in the area.
More Than 10 Buildings with Complete Facilities
Ombudsman member Syafrida R. Rasahan said the team found a number of buildings that from the outside resembled houses or homestays. Inside them were various facilities such as sofas, televisions, refrigerators, dining tables, bedrooms, and other amenities.
“There are more than 10 buildings in that area. Several cars were also seen parked around the residential area,” she said.
In addition, the Ombudsman found fitness facilities and the construction of a golf simulator. Other findings mentioned during the inspection included air conditioning units and other items that indicated a level of facilities different from ordinary prison housing.
The Ombudsman also reported finding suspected alcoholic beverages in one of the rooms. That finding remains under further investigation.
Alleged Commercialization
Another issue that drew the Ombudsman’s attention was the alleged payment required to occupy those buildings. However, the Ombudsman has not yet determined the exact amount paid or who received the money. The alleged commercialization of the facilities will therefore be examined further.
“We interviewed residents who claimed to be inmates. From the information obtained, the residents were said to pay a certain amount of money to occupy those residences,” Syafrida added.
The Ombudsman also received information from inmates’ families regarding alleged levies during visits. Families reported a levy of around Rp150,000 per week in Block A. The parties responsible for the levies still need to be traced further.
Ombudsman Highlights Security Gaps
Beyond the facilities issue, the Ombudsman identified potential security vulnerabilities in the area. The rear section of the buildings was said to have unlocked access connected to bushes, bamboo clumps, forest, and a rubbish dump. This condition is considered to require attention because it could become an unmonitored entry and exit route.
The Ombudsman then requested the Ministry of Immigration and Corrections to conduct a comprehensive evaluation. The evaluation is considered insufficient if limited only to Cibinong Prison and should also cover the broader management and supervision of correctional institutions.
Directorate General of Corrections Calls Them Official Residences
Head of the West Java Regional Office of the Directorate General of Corrections (Ditjenpas), Yudi Suseno, said the buildings visited by the Ombudsman are located in an assimilation area previously known as the Assimilation and Education Facility (SAE). According to him, the buildings are official staff residences that have decrees designating them as official residences.
“In that area there is also the SAE Cottage for assimilation and education activities for inmates. Inmates participating in the assimilation program can carry out activities in that area during the day. They can also use the transit house to rest,” Yudi added.
Nevertheless, Yudi stated that his office is still deepening the examination of how the facilities are being used, including to ensure there is no misuse. Ditjenpas also said it would investigate the information regarding the alleged rental of the buildings and the Ombudsman’s findings.
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Yusril Opens Access for Media
Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration and Corrections Yusril Ihza Mahendra requested that the matter be examined based on the facts on the ground.
“I invite the media to see directly the facilities that became the Ombudsman’s findings. Ensure whether those buildings are truly luxury facilities for inmates or have other functions. Such as staff residences or assimilation facilities,” he said.
He also emphasized that sanctions can be imposed on officials or employees proven to be involved if there is confirmed misuse of facilities or commercialization for certain inmates.
Ditjenpas has formed a team to verify the facilities and infrastructure, administration, implementation of service standards, and security aspects at Cibinong Prison. The examination is intended to ensure the findings are based on facts, documents, and applicable regulations.
DPR Requests Examination Results Be Reported
Deputy Chair of Commission II of the House of Representatives (DPR RI), Dede Yusuf, assessed that the Ombudsman needs to submit the results of its examination to the President as part of its public service oversight function.
“Further examination is important to ascertain who is using those facilities. What their official status is, whether there are inmates living there. Then whether payments occurred and whether there were violations by officers,” he concluded.
