Ombudsman Hunts Owners of Luxury Cars at Cibinong Prison, Ditjenpas Steps In

The Ombudsman of the Republic of Indonesia is hunting for the identities of the owners of several luxury cars found parked at Cibinong Class IIA Prison, Pondok Rajeg, Bogor Regency. The move follows a surprise inspection (sidak) that uncovered exclusive facilities inside the correctional facility's grounds.

Ombudsman RI member Syafrida Rachmawati said her office had coordinated with the Traffic Corps (Korlantas) of the National Police Headquarters to trace the ownership of the vehicles. "We will ask the authorities whether those vehicles are registered under whose name and held by whom," she said at a press conference in Jakarta on Thursday (24/9). The Ombudsman has also secured complete documentation of the parked luxury vehicles and will investigate whether they are linked to convicts or inmates at the prison.

The findings began with a sidak conducted by the Ombudsman team at Cibinong Prison. On two occasions, the team was denied entry despite carrying assignment letters. The first refusal occurred without a clear reason, and on the second attempt, the team finally gained entry after a tense standoff with prison security officers. After getting inside, they found an area of luxury buildings near the official residence of the Class IIA Prison Head. The buildings were equipped with facilities such as a mini villa, a fitness center (gym), and plans to build a shelter for mini golf. Syafrida suspects the facilities are occupied by inmates.

Responding to the findings, the Directorate General of Corrections (Ditjenpas) of the Ministry of Immigration and Corrections moved quickly. Ditjenpas Director Insp. Gen. Pol Mashudi said a team had been formed and deployed immediately to Cibinong Prison on Thursday morning. "I formed the team this morning, they are already at Cibinong Prison," he said. Mashudi acknowledged receiving reports of luxury facilities ranging from mini golf and a fitness center to an apartment. "The inspection will focus on what the Ombudsman raised, including the existence of the apartment," he added.

"We will see whether there is a link to the convicts or inmates at Cibinong Class II Prison." — Syafrida Rachmawati, Ombudsman RI member

The case highlights governance problems at Indonesia's correctional institutions, which often escape oversight. If the luxury facilities are indeed enjoyed by convicts, it undermines the principle of justice and could spark social resentment. Special treatment in prisons is nothing new; in recent years, several similar cases have surfaced, from air-conditioned cells to free access in and out. The Ombudsman has stressed it will thoroughly investigate who is responsible and whether procedures were violated.

For the public, these findings are a test for the government in reforming the correctional system. Transparency and accountability in prison management are key to restoring public trust. Ditjenpas under the Ministry of Immigration and Corrections is now under scrutiny: will the team it formed work independently and disclose the facts openly, or will it instead cover up a bigger scandal? The public awaits the investigation's results soon.