Minister for Immigration and Correctional Affairs Says There Is No Room for Drug Trafficking in Prisons and Detention Centres

Jakarta – The Minister for Immigration and Correctional Affairs (Imipas), Agus Andrianto, has stressed that his ministry will not give even the smallest space to the circulation of drugs within correctional facilities (lapas) or state detention centres (rutan).”We will not give even the tiniest space for drug circulation in prisons and detention centres. Correctional law enforcement must be firm, measured, and sustainable,” Agus said in remarks released in Jakarta on Wednesday.” The Ministry of Immigration and Correctional Affairs is strengthening its commitment to correctional law enforcement, including eradicating the circulation and abuse of narcotics within prisons and detention centres through strengthening security systems, early detection, and placing high-risk inmates in facilities with maximum security.” “High-risk inmates, especially drug traffickers and network controllers, will be placed in facilities with maximum security so they can no longer steer the distribution from behind bars,” Agus said.”This firm step, he said, is part of the state’s commitment to uphold the integrity of the rule of law and protect the public from the threat of drugs. It is also in line with the vision of President Prabowo Subianto.” “Based on an analysis of trends in drug abuse and violations within the correctional environment from 2020–2025, drug cases remain the largest contributor to the inmate population of prisons and detention centres, with a share above 50 percent each year.” “This condition affects occupancy rates and the complexity of rehabilitation and security within correctional facilities.” “In response to this, the Ministry of Immigration and Correctional Affairs, through the Directorate General of Corrections (Ditjenpas), is intensifying routine and incidental searches in housing blocks, inspections of belongings and visitors, and strengthening surveillance based on early detection.” “Periodic urine tests for inmates and staff are also carried out as a preventive measure.” “Meanwhile, high-risk inmates in narcotics cases, including traffickers and network controllers, have been transferred to Nusakambangan Island. The number transferred has risen from 597 inmates in 2024 to 1,232 inmates in 2025.” “Agus emphasised that these policies are not merely punitive, but aim to create a more effective rehabilitation system. Placement by risk level is believed to deliver justice in rehabilitation.” “Yang berisiko tinggi ditempatkan pada pengamanan maksimum, sementara pengguna yang membutuhkan pemulihan kita dorong untuk mengikuti rehabilitasi medis dan sosial secara optimal. Tujuannya jelas, menciptakan Lapas yang aman sekaligus membangun kembali warga binaan agar siap kembali ke masyarakat,” he said.” “The ministry notes that strengthening security will also have a positive impact on society at large. With tightening supervision and consistent enforcement, the potential for drug trafficking controlled from inside prisons can be suppressed.” “Moreover, this policy is believed to create a more orderly and conducive prison and detention centre environment so rehabilitation programmes can run optimally. Strengthening rehabilitation for users is also expected to reduce recidivism and support better social reintegration.” “The Ministry emphasises that eradicating narcotics within the correctional environment is an integral part of a reform of the correctional system oriented toward security, justice, and rehabilitation.” “Therefore, cooperation with law enforcement agencies and related stakeholders will continue to be strengthened to ensure prisons and detention centres are free from narcotics and able to perform their correctional functions optimally.”