BOGOR, TheKabarNews.com—The Indonesian Ombudsman has raised concerns over separate residential buildings allegedly occupied by inmates at Cibinong Class IIA Prison. Inspectors found air conditioners, large televisions and other household facilities inside the complex.

The public-service watchdog discovered the buildings during an unannounced inspection on Wednesday, September 23, in Pondok Rajeg, Bogor Regency, West Java.

Ombudsman member Syafrida Rachmawati Rasahan said several structures near the prison governor’s official residence resembled small villas.

“Near the residence stood several terraced houses resembling mini villas, with complete facilities and inmates living inside. We interviewed them directly,” Syafrida said.

Ombudsman members reported finding more than 10 rooms across separate buildings. The facilities included living areas, kitchens, refrigerators and televisions measuring about 45 inches. Inspectors also saw fitness facilities under construction.

Bottles of alcohol were found inside a refrigerator, according to another Ombudsman member, Fikri Yasin. The inspection did not establish who owned the bottles or how they entered the prison.

Syafrida said one occupant identified himself as an inmate and claimed that he had paid to stay in the building.

“We asked him, and he admitted that he was an inmate and had paid money,” she said.

The account remains an allegation from one occupant. Ombudsman investigators have not established the amount, payment method or identity of any recipient. They also have not determined who owns or manages the buildings.

The inspection became tense when prison personnel allegedly restricted access to parts of the complex and tried to prevent documentation.

Fikri said an Ombudsman officer suffered a leg injury when someone pushed him against a gate during the incident at the site.

Prison officials had not publicly provided their version of that confrontation when the allegations first emerged.

Inspectors also questioned security around the housing area. This was because it lacked a permanent perimeter barrier and appeared connected to a nearby residential area.

The Ombudsman said such access could enable movement without adequate supervision. However, it has not reported evidence that an inmate escaped through the route.

Coordinating Law, Human Rights, Immigration and Correctional Services Minister Yusril Ihza Mahendra responded Thursday by inviting journalists to inspect the location.

He said officials must determine whether the structures served as staff accommodation. They may also serve as facilities for inmates approaching release or paid housing for selected prisoners.

“If prison officials or employees violate the rules, including commercializing the facilities, the ministry will impose sanctions,” Yusril said on Thursday, September 24.

The corrections directorate general has also formed a team to examine the buildings, administrative records and security procedures.

This means the Ombudsman’s observations have triggered an official investigation. However, they do not yet amount to a final finding of corruption or misconduct.

Cibinong Prison has faced earlier scrutiny over unequal accommodation. Following inspections in late 2019, the Ombudsman reported differences in cell facilities at several prisons, including Cibinong. This prompted corrections officials to promise an evaluation.

The Ombudsman now plans to submit corrective measures to the corrections authorities and return within a month. Its proposals include evaluating the buildings, returning inmates to regular accommodation where required and securing unauthorized access points.