Salemba Prison Conducts Raid Following Reports of Inmates Using Mobile Phones

The Salemba Class IIA Correctional Facility in Central Jakarta has followed up on information circulating on social media regarding the use of communication devices by inmates by conducting a search. This search was carried out on Monday, 29 June 2026, by the Regional Office Team of the Jakarta Special Region Directorate General of Corrections together with prison staff in the residential blocks A and C.

“Inmates who were proven to have violated the rules by possessing and using communication devices have been given disciplinary punishment in accordance with applicable regulations,” said Head of Salemba Prison, Amico Balalembang, in a statement on Thursday (9/7/2026).

Amico explained that the search aimed to ensure the handling process was objective, transparent, and in compliance with the provisions. During the search, officers confiscated a number of illegal communication devices. As a follow-up, ten inmates were transferred to another correctional technical implementation unit as part of strengthening security and order.

Based on investigations, the documentation that went viral on social media was a photo taken in January 2026. Some of the inmates appearing in the photo have since completed their sentences and been released in accordance with the law.

Nevertheless, Amico stressed that there is no tolerance for any violation of the rules, particularly the possession or use of illegal communication devices inside the prison. “This step is a form of commitment to maintaining security and order and to realising a correctional system that is safe, orderly, and has integrity,” he said.

Amico further stated that Salemba Prison will strengthen early detection, tighten supervision, conduct periodic raids, and optimise the use of Wartelsuspas as an official communication facility for inmates with their families. The prison also appreciates public attention and input as part of public oversight of the correctional system. “Supervision, evaluation, and enforcement of rules will continue to be carried out to realise a prison that is clean from illegal communication devices, illegal levies, and drugs,” he concluded.