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Indonesia Suspends Five Prison Officials Over Cibinong Villas

By Drooid · Sep 29, 2026, 12:05 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Indonesia suspended five senior prison officials after the Ombudsman uncovered special inmate housing at Cibinong prison.
Inspectors found more than ten villa-like residences, a gym, a pool and a golf simulator near the prison.
Officials say the buildings are staff housing, yet 13 of 16 are absent from the state-asset registry.
Authorities have questioned 55 inmates, including 33 corruption convicts and former general Ferdy Sambo, as the probe continues.

History

Historical Context

In the wake of the October 2002 Bali bombings, Indonesia adopted tough security measures, including President Megawati Sukarnoputri’s 2002 Prison Law No 12 requiring asset registers for all prisons. A 2015 Ministry of Law audit found 13 of 16 new Cibinong structures unregistered—an 81 % gap. The Ombudsman’s 2024 expose of luxury facilities has revived calls for stricter penalties.

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Story summary

Indonesia suspended five senior prison officials after the Ombudsman uncovered special inmate housing at Cibinong prison.
Inspectors found more than ten villa-like residences, a gym, a pool and a golf simulator near the prison.
Officials say the buildings are staff housing, yet 13 of 16 are absent from the state-asset registry.
Authorities have questioned 55 inmates, including 33 corruption convicts and former general Ferdy Sambo, as the probe continues.

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