560 elderly prisoners granted remission, saving the state Rp1.18 billion

560 elderly prisoners aged 70 and above from prisons nationwide received remission on Friday in conjunction with the National Elderly Day 2026 commemoration. Director General of Corrections Mashudi stated that remission for elderly prisoners is a humanitarian gesture by the state, as stipulated under Law No. 1 of 2023 on the Criminal Code and Law No. 22 of 2022 on Corrections. ‘Remission based on advanced age is a humanitarian practice previously in place, now strengthened by regulation,’ he said. He explained that recipients must be over 70, have chronic or long-term illnesses, good behaviour, active participation in rehabilitation programs, and low risk levels. The remission periods range from one to six months: 85 prisoners received one month, 108 two months, 170 three months, 96 four months, 79 five months, and 22 six months. Mashudi said the policy aims to motivate rehabilitation for elderly prisoners while demonstrating state care for this demographic within prisons. ‘The new Criminal Code prioritises more humane sentencing, focusing on rehabilitation and reformation rather than mere retribution,’ he added. Of the total recipients, the highest numbers were from West Java (73), East Java (63), and North Sumatra (39). Mashudi noted the remission also helps reduce prison overcrowding and saves Rp1.18 billion in inmate meal costs. ‘We hope this sentence reduction benefits elderly prisoners and their families during the remaining rehabilitation period,’ Mashudi said. Remission for elderly prisoners is granted annually on National Elderly Day, which falls on May 29.