Back-
The Ombudsman RI at a press conference
The Ombudsman of the Republic of Indonesia (Ombudsman RI) uncovered an alleged “luxury cluster” housing inmates during an unannounced inspection at the Class IIA Cibinong Correctional Facility on Wednesday, 23 September 2026. The inspection met with physical obstruction from prison officers, who initially refused entry to the Ombudsman team.
Syafrida R. Rasahan, Ombudsman RI Board Member, revealed that despite presenting an official assignment letter to oversee public services at the facility, guards stationed at the gate blocked her team from entering the main cell blocks. “Because we were denied entry into the main block, our team instead discovered a series of irregularities outside the cell block area,” Syafrida stated during a press conference at the Ombudsman RI Headquarters in South Jakarta on Thursday, 24 September 2026.
The findings exposed severe service delivery failures and critical security gaps. “We discovered several residential structures around the prison premises resembling holiday lets with blue tin roofs, as well as cluster-style houses fitted with sofas, fridges, televisions, and dining tables,” Syafrida reported.
During the inspection, the Ombudsman team encountered a resident who confirmed he was an inmate at Class IIA Cibinong. However, before the team could gather further details, prison officers intervened and prevented further communication with the individual.
The team observed more than 10 residential units in the area alongside several parked luxury cars. Upon inspecting the interior of one unit, officers found apartment-like amenities, including a living room, a bedroom, a TV, a fridge, and other appliances. Additionally, the Ombudsman uncovered a fully equipped fitness centre and an indoor golf simulator under construction.
Source: The Office of the Ombudsman of the Republic of Indonesia
