Gov’t Considers Building Prisons for Corruption, Terrorism, Narcotics Convicts on Remote Islands

Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Wiranto responds to reporters’ questions at the Coordinating Ministry’s office, Jakarta, Monday (17/6). (Photo by: Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs PR)

The Government is considering and planning to build correctional facilities on remote islands just for corruption, terrorism, and narcotics convicts.

“Indonesia has approximately 17,000 islands, in which 11,000 of those are inhabited islands, while the remaining 6,000 are uninhabited islands,” Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Wiranto said at the Coordinating Ministry’s office, Jakarta, Monday (17/6).

The Coordinating Minister expressed belief that the prisoners would not easily request to go out during the day for a specific purpose if they are imprisoned on remote islands. Thus, there are several considerations to manifest that idea, but we still need other plans that can support the realization.

He went on to say that the Government has developed Nusakambangan prison to house prisoners convicted of corruption, narcotics, and terrorism cases. In addition, the Government has also been planning to revamp prisons which are located close to public areas.

He explained that during the Dutch period, prisons were built in the suburbs to exile criminals, but when the cities developed rapidly, these prisons are now located at city center. Thus, their location now is relatively close to public activities. “Therefore, it is not uncommon to have prisoners going out the prisons, or having narcotics transaction since the outside world just across the prison wall,” Wiranto said.

“If prisons are located on remote islands, they need to swim to go outside. It is an impossible thing to do. So, once again, considering the country currently faces the issue of prison overcrowding, the Government gives thought to build prisons on remote islands. We have discussed this matter in several meetings, the next process is waiting,” the Coordinating Minister concluded. (Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs PR /ES)

Translated by : Rany Anjany Subachrum
Edited by : Mia Medyana Bonaedy