Closure of Nusa Kambangan sought

JAKARTA (JP): The riot-marred transfer of inmates from Cipinang Penitentiary to other prisons outside the capital was aimed at keeping them away from some drug mafias, Minister of Justice and Human Rights Baharuddin Lopa said on Monday.

Lopa told a delegation of 75 Cipinang prison alumni at his office the inmates would have proceeded with their business as they had access to both customers and suppliers who usually came to them covertly.

"We know many of the prisoners want to break their ties with drugs, but as long as they are in Cipinang, it will be difficult for them to do so, and besides they are scared," Lopa said.

Lopa's visitors, members of the Former Inmates and Hoodlums Communication Forum led by Anton Medan, came to demand equal treatment for prisoners and a thorough investigation into last Wednesday's riot, which left an inmate killed and at least three others seriously injured, all from gunshot wounds.

The casualty was identified as Yadi Suryadi bin Zaelani, alias Morgan.

The unrest broke out when some 60 Mobile Brigade (Brimob) officers and penitentiary guards were escorting 50 prisoners, mostly convicted of drug offenses, to buses which were to transfer them to Tangerang and Cirebon Penitentiaries.

During the meeting, the former prisoners also called on the government to close the Nusakambangan penitentiary of Central Java, which is widely known as a home to notorious criminals.

Anton said a penitentiary was not a place for society to punish the inmates' past deeds.

"Prisoners are not evil, but only lost people, who must be given a way to repent," Anton said.

He said his forum had no objection to the government's plan to transfer inmates to other penitentiaries, as long as it was not aimed at separating them too far from their families.

The forum also demanded that all prisoners be treated equally, especially in receiving visits, taking leave to see families and placement in cells.

Lopa said the government could fulfill the demands, except the closure of Nusakambangan Penitentiary.

"We cannot just close the penitentiary before discussing it with the House of Representatives beforehand," Lopa said, adding that the Directorate of Correctional Institutions was seeking ways to improve the conditions in prisons.

Upon hearing Lopa's argument, Anton suggested that not only notorious criminals be sent to the special prison, but also those convicted of corruption. (01)