Ferdy Sambo Pursues Master's Degree from Prison and Inmates' Rights to Education

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The former Head of the National Police’s Professional and Security Division, now an inmate, Ferdy Sambo has come under scrutiny from netizens after a photo circulated on social media showing him continuing his master’s programme (S2) at Class IIA Cibinong Prison in West Java.

From the circulated photo, Ferdy Sambo is said to be pursuing theology education and is registered as a student in the Master’s Programme (S2) at Sekolah Tinggi Teologi Global Glow Indonesia (STTIGGI).

In response to the news, the Directorate General of Corrections (Ditjen Pas) stated that Article 9 letter C of Law No. 22 of 2022 on Corrections stipulates that all inmates have the right to obtain education.

Rika said that not only Ferdy Sambo, but several inmates are also permitted to continue their education while in prison.

“Up to now, it is still ongoing; at Tangerang Youth Prison, since the 2020s, there have been inmates continuing S1 education, so there is a campus inside that prison,” said Rika.

“So it’s not just about Ferdy Sambo, but all inmates,” she added.

She explained that among the Christian inmates at Class IIA Cibinong Prison, Ferdy Sambo expressed interest in taking that scholarship.

“Cibinong Prison has developed cooperation with Sekolah Tinggi Global Glow Indonesia (STGGI) for providing S1 and S2 Theology scholarship programmes for Christian inmates, one of whom is interested in participating in the programme is Ferdy Sambo,” said Rika.

Rika stated that the lectures are conducted online from inside Cibinong Prison.

“This programme is part of efforts to foster and improve the quality of human resources for inmates so they are ready to return and contribute positively in society,” said Rika.

Rika added that not only Ferdy Sambo, but currently at Cibinong Prison, all inmates have the opportunity to continue formal education.

“Such as catching up on packages A, B, and C, which have been followed by 88 inmates since 2024, up to higher education,” she said.