248 inmates released on Aug. 17

TANGERANG: Some 248 of 3,336 inmates serving time at five penitentiaries in Tangerang were released on Tuesday as a part of sentence remissions granted by the government in conjunction with Independence Day on Aug. 17.

Tangerang Boys Correction Facility warden Ayumi PBA said the ceremony was held at the facility because 141 of the 248 inmates released were minors.

He said since the period of youth was most important in one's life, therefore 65 percent of the boys at the facility still went to school and the rest were given training.

But 24 of the 248 inmates will likely serve another month in the prison if they fail to pay fines, that ranged between Rp 500,000 (US$54.35) and Rp 700,000, imposed on them.

"If they don't have the money to pay the fines, they have to serve another month of their sentence," Ayumi said. -- JP