Ciangir Prison proposes remission for all inmates on 81st Independence Day

The Ciangir Open Prison (Lapas) in Banten has proposed that all of its inmates receive remission, or a reduction in their sentences, in conjunction with the 81st Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Indonesia on 17 August 2026. Head of Ciangir Prison, Soesanto Poedji Djatmiko, stated that the proposal is made annually and is typically granted in full. “For this August’s remission, we have proposed all inmates and, God willing, all will receive it,” he said on Thursday.

The facility currently houses 50 inmates, with an additional 20 expected to arrive, bringing the total to 70, despite the prison’s capacity being 60. Soesanto explained that inmates at Ciangir are not placed there arbitrarily; they are selected through a rigorous assessment by the Corrections Agency (Bapas) to participate in a skills training programme ahead of their release. The selected inmates have served two-thirds of their sentences, demonstrated good behaviour, received sentences of no more than five years, and have a clear guarantor.

Regarding a separate amnesty plan announced by the government, Soesanto noted that the inmates were not interested. “We have informed them about the amnesty, but the inmates here do not want it. They have already been proposed for remission, with an average reduction of six months,” he said.

Previously, Minister of Immigration and Corrections Agus Andrianto announced that the government is planning to grant amnesty to prisoners on the 81st Independence Day. He stated that the amnesty targets inmates under the age of 35, who may undergo further training through a national defence reserve component programme to instil discipline before reintegrating into society. Agus emphasised that the amnesty is part of an effort to reduce overcrowding in correctional facilities and urged all inmates to participate actively in rehabilitation programmes.