Government Evaluates Measures to Address Overcapacity in Drug Convict Prisons
The Head of the National Narcotics Board (BNN), Inspector General Pol Suyudi Ario Seto, has discussed measures to handle the excess capacity of inmates in correctional institutions (Lapas).
He stated that one of the options being considered is rehabilitation for narcotics prisoners. “We will conduct a more in-depth coordination meeting regarding rehabilitation efforts, specifically in relation to handling users or prisoners involved in narcotics cases who have been processed and detained,” said Suyudi following a meeting with Prabowo at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Tuesday (29/9).
Regarding this policy, Suyudi noted that the BNN will hold meetings with several relevant ministries to formulate the necessary regulations. He highlighted the current state of Indonesian prisons, which are suffering from overcapacity, noting that approximately 80% of the inmates are drug-related detainees.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Law, Supratman Andi Agtas, expressed similar sentiments. He stated that President Prabowo has requested him to coordinate with relevant ministries and agencies to deliberate on this rehabilitation discourse. He confirmed that drug convicts currently held in prisons have led to overcapacity levels.
Supratman mentioned that he, along with several related institutions, will hold a joint meeting in the near future to formulate the policy to be adopted by the government.
In addition to the prison overcapacity issue, Suyudi stated that the BNN is continuing to explore regulations regarding liquid narcotics, including the distribution of vapes containing etomidate. He mentioned that President Prabowo is paying close attention to the circulation of these liquid narcotics.
“This will also be discussed specifically again. Although coordination meetings have been conducted under the Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture, we will continue to explore this to determine what the regulations should look like,” said Suyudi.