Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Indonesia Ministry of Immigration and Corrections (Imipas) has granted special sentence reductions (RK) to hundreds of thousands of inmates and sentence reductions for juvenile detainees (PMP) in commemoration of Nyepi, the Saka New Year 1947, and Eid al-Fitr 1446 Hijri.
In a symbolic ceremony, Imipas Minister Agus Andrianto personally awarded the RK and PMP at Class IIA Cibinong Penitentiary on Friday (March 28). Similar events took place simultaneously at regional correctional offices and penitentiary facilities across the country.
Thousands of Hindu and Muslim Inmates Receive Sentence Reductions
During the Nyepi celebrations, 1,629 Hindu inmates were granted RK. The figure including 1,609 inmates received RK I, meaning a partial sentence reduction and 20 inmates received RK II, allowing for immediate release.
While 12 juvenile detainees received PMP with all 12 juvenile detainees were granted PMP I, a partial sentence reduction.
“Let us reflect on Nyepi by embracing the principles of Catur Brata. This is a moment for self-improvement, strengthening unity, fostering tolerance, and renewing our spiritual commitment,” Agus stated in a press release.
Meanwhile, for Eid al-Fitr, a total of 156,312 Muslim inmates and juvenile detainees were granted RK and PMP. The details including:
- 154,170 inmates and 1,214 juvenile detainees received RK I and PMP I, reducing their sentences.
- 908 inmates and 20 juvenile detainees were awarded RK II and PMP II, meaning immediate release.
- In total, 948 individuals were freed as a result of the special remissions.
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Restorative Justice and Overcrowding Reduction
Agus emphasized that granting sentence reductions is a recognition of inmates’ rights and serves as an incentive for rehabilitation.
“Remissions and sentence reductions encourage inmates to reform themselves and support the concept of restorative justice, which prioritizes rehabilitation. These measures also help alleviate overcrowding in prisons, leading to improved services and inmate management,” he said.
The Nyepi remissions are expected to save the state approximately Rp804.5 million ($50,000) in meal expenses for inmates. Meanwhile, the Eid al-Fitr remissions will result in budget savings of Rp80.46 billion ($5 million) for the government.
This program aimed to provide inmates with a second chance while also alleviating the burden on the correctional system in Indonesia. As the initiative continues, Indonesia government continues to emphasize rehabilitation and restorative justice through its remission programs, especially in commemoration of Nyepi, and Eid al-Fitr.
(Raidi/Agung)
