East Kalimantan Corrections Directorate grants remission to six Buddhist inmates on Vesak Day

Samarinda - The East Kalimantan Regional Office of the Directorate General of Corrections (Kanwil Ditjenpas Kaltim) has granted remission to six inmates in observance of Vesak Day 2026.

“According to Law No. 22 of 2022 on Corrections, six inmates in remand prisons and prisons across East Kalimantan and North Kalimantan received special remission during Vesak Day,” said Endang Lintang Hardiman, Head of the East Kalimantan Regional Office of the Directorate General of Corrections, in Samarinda on Sunday.

Endang explained that the special remission is a conditional right granted exclusively to Buddhist inmates. He added that the remission was awarded due to the prisoners’ high productivity in rehabilitation programmes and significant character improvement, along with acknowledgment of past mistakes.

The six inmates receiving reduced sentences are currently held in various remand prisons and prisons across East Kalimantan and North Kalimantan.

Despite the sentence reduction, Endang stressed that none of the six inmates were released immediately on Vesak Day.

“We hope this remission serves as additional motivation for other inmates to maintain good behaviour and comply with rules during their sentences,” Endang said.

The government, through the Directorate General of Corrections, remains committed to providing optimal support to ensure inmates are prepared and independent upon reintegration into society.

Endang noted that inmates eagerly await remission during religious holidays such as Vesak.

Kanwil Ditjenpas Kaltim also confirmed that all remission application and approval processes were carried out transparently.