MP urges prison authorities to be more transparent about inmate data

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Member of DPR RI Commission XIII, Marinus Gea, has urged prison institutions (Lapas) to be more transparent regarding data on Warga Binaan Pemasyarakatan (WBP) during a working visit to Morowali Prison in Central Sulawesi. He revealed that out of a total of 4,169 WBP, there are 952 individuals who still hold detainee status, either in legal proceedings or as temporary placements. According to him, this status needs to be clarified as it can affect assessments of the prison’s capacity. “If some of the 952 are still temporary placements and not yet the prison’s responsibility, then it cannot immediately be said to be over-capacity. This must be clear,” said Marinus in a written statement received in Jakarta on Friday. He also emphasised the importance of data clarity regarding the number of WBP to distinguish them from those still holding detainee status. Furthermore, he highlighted the high number of inmates involved in narcotics cases, reaching around 49 percent of the total WBP. According to him, the classification of drug lords, whether in large or small categories, as well as placement policies, including transfers to Nusakambangan Prison, must be clarified. In addition, he encouraged the optimisation of the implementation of the new Criminal Code (KUHP) and Code of Criminal Procedure (KUHAP), particularly in creating productive rehabilitation programmes for inmates. To that end, he proposed that cooperation with the industrial sector, such as mining in Morowali, could be utilised as part of the rehabilitation. If the WBP have no activities, the potential for security disturbances could increase. “There needs to be a concrete solution, including the possibility of cooperation with industry so that they remain productive,” he said.