20,500 Prisoners Across West Java Granted Remission for Indonesia's 81st Independence Day
As many as 20,500 prisoners in correctional facilities and state detention centres across West Java have been granted remission in conjunction with the 81st anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia’s independence. West Java Deputy Governor Erwan Setiawan, accompanied by the Head of the West Java Regional Office of the Directorate General of Corrections, Yudi Suseno, symbolically handed over the remission decrees to general and juvenile inmates at Lapas 2 Banceuy in Bandung on Monday (17/8).
Yudi Suseno detailed that 20,154 prisoners received general remission I, while 346 received general remission II, meaning immediate release. The total prison population in West Java as of 16 August 2026 stood at 27,401. In addition to remissions for adult prisoners, the West Java Corrections Directorate also granted sentence reductions to 86 juvenile detainees, with 85 receiving reduction I and one receiving reduction II with immediate release. The number of juvenile detainees as of 16 August 2026 was 151. Furthermore, 126 prisoners received additional remission for good behaviour such as active blood donation, and 43 received remission as leaders of rehabilitation activities.
Yudi emphasised that remission is not merely a reduction of sentence but an important part of the rehabilitation process that provides motivation for inmates to continue participating in development programmes. He stated that remission is not the final goal of rehabilitation but rather an encouragement for positive change. ‘Show that when you return to society, you can be independent and contribute positively to your family and community. You must change,’ he said.
Deputy Governor Erwan, reading the speech of Minister of Immigration and Corrections Agus Andrianto, said the granting of remission is the state’s appreciation for prisoners and juvenile detainees who have shown positive behavioural changes and actively participated in rehabilitation programmes in a transparent and fair manner. Remission also serves to accelerate social reintegration so that inmates become productive human resources. The government continues to strengthen independence and personality development programmes in correctional facilities.
Meanwhile, Head of the Development Division of the West Java Corrections Directorate, Ishadi Maja Prayitno, confirmed that former Deputy Minister of Manpower Immanuel Ebenezer was among the recipients of remission for the 81st Independence Day. ‘He received a one-month remission, because those with sentences under one year are entitled to a one-month remission,’ he explained. Ishadi added that his office is currently awaiting approval of amnesty decrees from President Prabowo Subianto for 1,454 prisoners in West Java, with 1,100 proposed to join the national amnesty programme. Prisoners aged 18-40 who meet the criteria will undergo training similar to reserve components at the Brimob headquarters in Cikeas. The remaining amnesty proposals are for humanitarian reasons, targeting prisoners with prolonged illness or the elderly, who will be released immediately.