Waisak 2026: Thousands of Prisoners Granted Special Remission

JAKARTA — The Ministry of Immigration and Corrections (Imipas) has granted Special Remission (RK) for Waisak 2026 (Buddhist Era 2570) to 1,047 Buddhist prisoners. Of these, 1,041 received RK I, reducing part of their sentences, and six received RK II, leading to immediate release. In total, 1,052 prisoners and juvenile detainees received RK and PMP special remission for Waisak 2026.

Minister of Immigration and Corrections Agus Andrianto stated that the remission and PMP were a fulfillment of rights for prisoners and juvenile detainees who met administrative and substantive criteria under the law. ‘Waisak should be a moment for self-reflection to improve behaviour, strengthen self-control, and enhance spiritual and moral quality in life,’ he said on Sunday, 31 January 2026.

Additionally, the remission was seen as national recognition for prisoners and juvenile detainees who demonstrated positive behavioural changes and actively participated in rehabilitation programs during their sentences.

Director General of Corrections Mashudi explained that the special Waisak remission had a positive impact on national budget efficiency. ‘The special Waisak remission in 2026 saved Rp840,525,000 in prisoner meal costs and Rp2,145,000 for juvenile detainees,’ he stated.

According to the Correctional Database System as of 21 May 2026, Indonesia had 270,779 detainees and prisoners, comprising 55,457 detainees and 215,322 prisoners. As of 22 May 2026, there were 1,663 children and juvenile detainees, including 323 children and 1,340 juvenile detainees.