Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — The Indonesian government, through the Ministry of Immigration and Corrections (Imipas), has granted special Christmas remissions to 15,807 inmates across the country in celebration of Christmas 2024.
Minister of Immigration and Corrections Agus Andrianto stated that 15,691 inmates received partial sentence reductions (RK I), while 116 others were immediately released (RK II). Additionally, 169 juvenile inmates were granted sentence reductions, with 166 receiving partial reductions (PMP I) and three being released immediately (PMP II).
“This brings the total number of inmates and juvenile offenders receiving special remissions or sentence reductions during this Christmas period to 15,976,” Agus said on Wednesday, December 25, as reported by Antara.
The minister explained that sentence remissions serve as a reward for inmates and juveniles who have demonstrated good behavior, adhered to regulations, actively participated in rehabilitation programs, and shown reduced risk levels.
Remission Recipients
According to CNN Indonesia, the remission program is governed by several regulations, including Law No. 22 of 2022 on Corrections, Government Regulation No. 32 of 1999 and its amendments, and Presidential Decree No. 174 of 1999 on Remission.
North Sumatra province recorded the highest number of Christmas remission recipients, with 3,196 inmates receiving reduction. Then, followed by East Nusa Tenggara with 1,894 and Papua with 1,447 remission recipients.
For juvenile offenders, the largest numbers came from North Sumatra and West Papua, with 23 recipients each, followed closely by Papua with 20.
Encouragement for Rehabilitation
In this Christmas moment, Agus extended congratulations to inmates and juvenile offenders receiving remissions and urged them to remain productive and committed to self-improvement.
As of December 16, 2024, the Correctional Database System recorded a total of 274,166 detainees, inmates, and juvenile offenders across Indonesia, with 19,968 identifying as Christians.
He also expressed gratitude to correctional officers, the Directorate General of Corrections, and relevant stakeholders for their dedication in supporting inmate rehabilitation programs.
“I hope the training and guidance you have received will empower you to become valuable human resources, contributing positively to society upon your reintegration,” Agus concluded.
The Christmas remissions program reflects Indonesia’s commitment to upholding human rights and fostering rehabilitation, offering inmates and juvenile offenders a renewed sense of hope and purpose as they re-enter society.
(Raidi/Agung)
