Bogor, JurnalPost.com — Recently, the public was once again shocked by news that truly tests one's patience. Amidst a society still struggling with economic hardship, findings emerged regarding alleged luxury facilities at the Class IIA Correctional Facility (Lapas) in Cibinong, Bogor Regency, West Java.
These findings surfaced after the Ombudsman of the Republic of Indonesia conducted a surprise inspection on September 23, 2026. During the examination, a number of structures were found with facilities resembling luxury housing, ranging from sofas, televisions, refrigerators, and dining tables to various amenities far removed from the general image of a prison.
These structures were even described as resembling apartments or hotel rooms. The Ombudsman suspects that inmates were occupying one of the buildings, although the status and usage of these facilities remain under investigation by the authorities.
This case seems to reopen an old wound that has not truly healed. The public is reminded of a phrase that is all too familiar to the community, namely “The law is sharp downward, but blunt upward.”
This expression is more than just a sarcastic remark. It reflects deep disappointment with law enforcement, which is perceived as failing to provide equal treatment for everyone.
When Iron Bars No Longer Reflect Equality
The phenomenon of alleged special facilities within correctional environments is not a new issue. Time and again, the public is faced with questions regarding the possibility of preferential treatment for those with power, money, or influence.
Prisons, which should be places where sentences are carried out fairly, instead risk becoming spaces that provide privileges to certain groups.
Imagine if an inmate with money and connections can obtain excessive comfort, while other inmates must serve their sentences in cramped rooms with limited facilities.
If such disparate treatment is indeed occurring, that is where the public's sense of justice is being openly trampled upon.
The issue is not that inmates should be treated inhumanely. Every inmate still has the right to a decent life, access to healthcare, and treatment that respects human dignity.
However, fulfilling basic rights is certainly different from providing special facilities that have no basis in regulation.
In the correctional system, everyone should receive equal treatment according to legal provisions, without being influenced by social status, wealth, or proximity to certain officials.
Prisons Are Not Places to Buy Comfort
Fundamentally, Indonesia's correctional system aims not only to punish but also to rehabilitate inmates so they can improve themselves and return to society as better individuals.
This goal is certainly commendable. However, how can rehabilitation proceed fairly if there are facilities that can only be enjoyed by a select group?
Imagine when some people have to work hard just to meet their daily needs, while there are allegations of hotel-like facilities within a prison environment.
Naturally, this raises a major question. Are these facilities part of a legitimate rehabilitation program, or are they a form of abuse of authority?
If excessive comfort is obtained through special treatment that violates regulations, then what is at stake is not only the discipline of the inmates but also the credibility of the correctional institution.
Prisons should not be places of torture. However, they also should not be places where someone obtains privileges due to financial means or specific connections.
Removing Officials Is Not Enough
The government's steps in following up on the Cibinong Prison case are commendable.
On October 5, 2026, the Ministry of Immigration and Corrections announced the dismissal of the Head of the Class IIA Cibinong Prison, Wisnu Hani Putranto, from his status as a civil servant (ASN).
In addition, 16 other employees were given disciplinary sanctions. Internal investigation results found abuse of authority, disorder in the management of state property, and violations of operational procedures.
These actions show that the government has taken concrete steps regarding the issues discovered.
However, the important question is whether the dismissal of officials and the imposition of sanctions are enough to solve the problem?
In my opinion, the answer is no.
Replacing problematic individuals without fixing the system is like cutting weeds without pulling them out by the roots. The weeds may appear gone for a while, but it is possible they will grow back.
The same applies to issues within the correctional environment. As long as oversight remains weak and loopholes for abuse of authority remain open, similar incidents have the potential to recur.
Therefore, enforcement actions must be followed by more fundamental improvements, rather than just being a momentary response when a case becomes a hot topic.
Weak Oversight Opens Loopholes for Misconduct
One issue that needs serious attention is the effectiveness of oversight within correctional institutions.
Prisons are institutions with restricted access. Not everyone can enter and see firsthand how services, security, and inmate rehabilitation are carried out.
This condition is indeed necessary to maintain security. However, without strong oversight, limited access can also open opportunities for misconduct.
This ranges from alleged extortion and the entry of prohibited items to the misuse of facilities and the possibility of differential treatment for certain inmates.
In the Cibinong Prison case, the oversight issue became even more serious because the Ombudsman team also reported facing obstacles when attempting to conduct a surprise inspection.
If a state institution with oversight authority faces difficulties in carrying out its duties, how can the public feel confident that all activities inside the prison are being conducted according to the rules?
Furthermore, this issue shows that improving the correctional system cannot be done solely through internal examinations.
Independent oversight is needed, with clear access, strict procedures, and the ability to ensure that every allegation of misconduct is followed up.
Real Reform, Not Just Promises After Going Viral
So, what should the public demand from the government?
The answer is real reform that addresses the most fundamental issues in the correctional system, not just statements made after a case goes viral on social media.
The government must not only act when the public is talking about the issue. Once public attention shifts, oversight must not weaken and old habits must not return.
On October 5, 2026, the Ombudsman of the Republic of Indonesia submitted 11 recommendations for improvement to the Ministry of Immigration and Corrections.
These recommendations include comprehensive inspections, the regulation of facilities that do not comply with provisions, equal service for inmates, strengthening oversight, preventing extortion, and guaranteeing access for external oversight.
This step is important, but its success must still be measured by implementation in the field.
At least several things need attention.
First, strengthening periodic external oversight.
The involvement of the Ombudsman and independent oversight bodies must be fully guaranteed. Inspections should not only be conducted after a scandal emerges but should be part of ongoing evaluation.
Second, improving the integrity of correctional officers.
The quality of human resources must be improved through training, ethical guidance, performance evaluations, and clear oversight systems.
The welfare of officers is indeed important to consider. However, this should not be used as an excuse to tolerate violations.
Officers proven to have abused their positions, accepted bribes, or provided illegal facilities must be subject to strict sanctions in accordance with the law.
After all, they are state apparatuses who have a responsibility to maintain public trust.
Third, ensuring there is no special treatment for certain inmates.
Every facility in the correctional environment must have a clear and accountable basis for its use.
Rehabilitation programs and facilities supporting the lives of inmates should be organized based on needs and applicable rules, not based on someone's wealth or position.
Fourth, making evaluation results public.
The public has the right to know the extent to which improvements are being implemented.
The government needs to communicate the progress of investigations, follow-up on recommendations, and policy changes periodically without ignoring provisions regarding confidentiality and data protection.
Transparency like this is important so that reform does not stop as an administrative promise.
Restoring Trust in Justice
The Cibinong Prison case should be an important lesson for the government and all law enforcement agencies.
This issue must not be discussed for only a few days, then slowly forgotten when new, more attention-grabbing news appears.
The public does not just need statements that the government will conduct evaluations. The public needs proof that changes are truly being implemented consistently.
Taking action against officials who violate the rules is necessary. However, the success of reform is not measured solely by how many employees are dismissed or sanctioned.
True success must be seen in the reduction of misconduct, the increase in officer integrity, and the guarantee of fair treatment for all inmates.
It is time for prisons to return to their function as places where someone accounts for their actions while also receiving the opportunity to improve themselves.
Not a place for a staycation disguised as punishment, let alone a space to enjoy privileges obtained through the abuse of authority.
If this issue continues to be ignored, public trust in the law will be further eroded.
Because how can the public believe that the law applies equally to everyone if, behind iron bars, there is still the possibility of different treatment?
Justice is not enough to be upheld only in the courtroom. Justice must also remain alive behind prison doors.
Bibliography
Aditya, N. (2026, September 25). Commission XIII regrets that the Ombudsman's inspection at Cibinong Prison was obstructed. Kompas.com.
JPNN.com. (2026, September 25). Luxury facilities at Cibinong Class IIA Prison: There are suite & deluxe category rooms.
Tribunnews.com. (2026, September 26). DPR Commission XIII Inspection: Luxury facilities at Cibinong Prison disappear ahead of demolition.
Tribunnews.com. (2026, September 26). Luxury facilities at Cibinong Prison, legal practitioner: Structured, massive, and systematic crime.
Ombudsman of the Republic of Indonesia. (2026, September 24). Ombudsman RI finds suspected luxury clusters and security gaps at Class IIA Cibinong Prison.
Ombudsman of the Republic of Indonesia. (2026, October 5). Ombudsman RI provides 11 recommendations for improving prison and detention center management to the Ministry of Immigration and Corrections.
Ministry of Immigration and Corrections. (2026, October 5). Statement on the results of the examination and imposition of sanctions on Cibinong Prison employees.
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