Imipas: Abuse of Power Behind Luxury Cluster at Cibinong Prison
The Inspector General of the Ministry of Immigration and Correctional Services, Commissioner General Rudi Setiawan, has announced the preliminary results of an investigation into findings at Cibinong Prison. The inspection results indicate that an abuse of power has occurred.
Rudi made this statement during a sudden inspection of the Class IIA Cibinong Prison in Bogor by the leadership of Commission XIII of the House of Representatives (DPR) on Wednesday (30/09/202/6). The inspection was led by the Vice Chairman of Commission XIII, Sugiat Santoso, alongside Dewi Asmara and Andreas Hugo Pareira.
He explained that a joint team has been formed to conduct further investigations. This team involves the Directorate General of Correctional Services, the Director of Security and Intelligence, the Compliance and Supervision Directorate of the Directorate General of Correctional Services, two Regional Inspectors, and the West Java Regional Office.
“This team is currently working. We have immediately formed a joint team,” said Rudi.
He stated that the investigation is being carried out to follow up on the discovery of a ‘luxury cluster’ within Cibinong Prison, including discrepancies between findings by the Indonesian Ombudsman and the conditions discovered by the inspection team.
“What I need to convey is that these are preliminary results, as we have not yet completed the entire process. Regarding the buildings, these structures were not funded by the State Budget (APBN). They were self-funded and are not registered as State-Owned Assets (BMN),” he said.
“Furthermore, they do not have building permits because, as we can see together, they are located on a riverbed, where construction is prohibited. That is the issue regarding the buildings,” he added.
He noted that some of these buildings are indeed occupied. He admitted to having received information regarding this and is taking follow-up action.
“As seen by the Ombudsman, these buildings are indeed occupied, as evidenced by photographs. We have obtained information regarding who is there, and we are following up on who permitted this and so on,” he said.
Additionally, the team is investigating the existence of several facilities, such as a fitness centre and a golf simulator that remain unfinished. An inspection is also being conducted on the assimilation room located behind three containers, which is alleged to have been used as a training area for a long time.
“We found that the assimilation area has been used as a training space for a long time. However, two inmates were found there. We are focusing on this as well,” he stated.
He concluded that the preliminary findings point to an incident of abuse of power. He noted that this abuse of power refers to the provisions in Government Regulation (PP) Number 94 of 2021 concerning the Discipline of Civil Servants (PNS).
“The preliminary conclusion is that there has been an abuse of power. I repeat, there has been an abuse of power as regulated in the aforementioned PP, specifically Article 5, with penalties outlined in Article 8,” he said.
“This includes serious violations; the penalties include demotion, suspension from duties, or dishonourable discharge,” he continued.
He admitted that identification and examinations of the relevant parties have been conducted. He stated that his office is currently continuing to analyse statements and evidence.
“We have identified and examined the parties involved. Last night, the Vice Chairman met with the Prison Warden. We are confronting previous information with what was found last night. God willing, we will present everything after our analysis. I request time, as I cannot make a decision based on a single statement alone. We must consider other testimonies and evidence,” he concluded.