Waisak Day: 1,052 Buddhist Inmates Granted Remission

The Ministry of Immigration and Corrections (Kemenimipas) has awarded special remission and sentence reduction (PMP) for Waisak Day 2570 BE 2026 to 1,052 Buddhist inmates and juvenile offenders across Indonesia. Minister of Immigration and Corrections Agus Andrianto stated the remission and PMP were in recognition of inmates and juvenile offenders who demonstrated positive behavioural changes and actively participated in rehabilitation programs while serving their sentences in prisons, detention centres, and juvenile correctional facilities. Of the 1,052 recipients, 1,041 received Special Remission Type I, reducing part of their sentences, while six received Special Remission Type II and were released immediately. Five juvenile offenders received Special Sentence Reduction Type I. According to Kemenimipas data, there are 1,944 Buddhist inmates and detainees nationwide, of whom 1,047 met the criteria for Waisak special remission. The highest number of recipients were from North Sumatra (186), followed by West Kalimantan (163) and Jakarta (140). Agus expressed hope that the remissions would motivate inmates and juvenile offenders to continue improving themselves and prepare for healthy, productive reintegration into society. ‘Waisak should serve as a moment for self-reflection to improve behaviour, strengthen self-control, and enhance spiritual and moral qualities in life,’ he added. According to the Corrections Database System as of 21 May 2026, the total number of detainees and inmates nationwide reached 270,779, comprising 55,457 detainees and 215,322 inmates. Meanwhile, as of 22 May 2026, there were 1,663 children and juvenile offenders nationwide, including 323 children and 1,340 juvenile offenders. Director General of Corrections Mashudi stated that the Waisak 2026 special remissions also contributed to national budget efficiency for inmate meals. ‘The special remissions and sentence reductions for Waisak 2026 resulted in savings of Rp840,525,000 for inmate meals and Rp2,145,000 for juvenile offenders’ meals,’ he said. Mashudi hoped the remissions would encourage inmates and juvenile offenders to continue self-improvement, comply with regulations, and prepare for healthy, productive societal reintegration as a demonstration of the corrections system’s success.