Inmates living in luxury in Indonesian prison sparks corruption probe

Big-screen TVs, couches, fridges, gym equipment and a golf simulator under construction have been found in luxury units allegedly used by prisoners in an Indonesian jail.

Indonesian authorities are investigating whether inmates paid staff to access the compound and facilities at Cibinong Prison, near Jakarta.

A surprise inspection by authorities last week uncovered the 10 residential-style units, which were separate from regular prison cells and being used by inmates.

The units also contained air conditioning and luxury cars were parked nearby, ombudsman member Syafrida Rachmawati Rasahan said.

Authorities also found an exit at the back of the compound that was unlocked, allowing access to units away from the main prison entry.

A video released by the ombudsman appears to show someone on the inside one of the units locking the door, preventing investigators from accessing the room.

"We found strong indications that certain inmates had access to special facilities unavailable to ordinary prisoners," Ms Rasahan said.

"We encountered inmates inside the residential compound and discovered facilities resembling homestays, apartments and villas rather than prison housing."

Ministry of Immigration and Corrections Inspector-General Rudi Setiawan said dozens of inmates had been interviewed as part of the investigation.

He said the buildings had been designed for housing for prison staff, but the probe was examining whether they had been occupied by prisoners in exchange for cash.

Five officials suspected of wrongdoing, including the prison's chief, were suspended as investigations continued.

Corruption in prisons a long-standing issue

I Gede Widhiana Suarda, a University of Jember law professor, said the issue of corruption within the prison system was "a major challenge for the Indonesian government" and that reform was needed.

"The reality is that Indonesia still does not have the right formula to effectively prevent people from committing corruption offences, whether in the form of bribery or fraud," he said.

"I think that's the key issue. The bigger challenge is how to prevent something like this from happening again in the future."

Simon Butt, director of the Centre for Asian and Pacific Law at the University of Sydney, said the scandal was the latest in a string of similar issues plaguing the Indonesian prison system.

Dr Butt, who has written a book on judicial issues in Indonesia, said inmates in other prisons had access to similar luxuries, including Artalyta Suryani, who had access to laser beauty therapy while behind bars in 2010.

She was jailed for five years in 2008 after being found guilty of bribing a public prosecutor.

He said authorities discovered in 2017 that inmates at Sukamiskin prison in Bandung had paid for special treatment and for an extra fee, guards would give inmates keys so they could come and go as they pleased.

The problems persisted, at least in part, because punishments had historically been limited, Dr Butt said.

"Few of those involved have faced serious consequences. Each of these revelations drew headlines, but none appears to have produced lasting change," he said.

"Many of the prisoners named in these scandals have not been formally pursued for paying bribes to prison officials.

"Even in 'luxury' conditions, Indonesian prisons are not particularly pleasant.

"But the ability of convicts to obtain better conditions by paying bribes — in many cases the very act for which they were convicted — undermines the credibility of the criminal justice system."

The ABC has contacted Indonesia's Ministry of Immigration and Corrections for comment.