Indonesian authorities have demolished a cluster of luxury “villas” discovered inside a prison, where selected inmates allegedly paid to live with air conditioning, televisions, refrigerators and other comforts far removed from ordinary prison conditions.
The residences at Cibinong Prison in Bogor, south of Jakarta, were uncovered during a surprise inspection by Indonesia’s Ombudsman on September 23. Investigators found more than 10 residential units separated from the regular prison blocks, some of which were being used by inmates.
Luxury Prison Villas Had TVs, Alcohol, Pool and Gym
The compound contained amenities more commonly associated with private homes than a prison. Investigators found sofas, dining tables, refrigerators, air conditioning and large-screen televisions inside the residences.
Photos from the inspection also showed bottles of beer, whisky and other alcohol stored in a refrigerator. Elsewhere in the compound, investigators discovered a swimming pool, a gym and an area for luxury vehicles. A golf simulator was also under construction.
Authorities said inmates had allegedly paid for access to the accommodation. One prisoner was reported to have paid 160,000 rupiah, about $9, per week, while the Ombudsman also received information about a weekly payment of 150,000 rupiah for such accommodation.
An unlocked gate at the rear of the compound provided access to a bamboo forest, raising further questions about security and the freedom of movement available to inmates living there.
Authorities subsequently moved to demolish 10 of the units. Furniture, televisions, refrigerators and other belongings were removed before an excavator tore into the buildings. Corrections officials said the structures had originally been intended as housing for prison employees.
A secret “luxury” wing with VIP cells was found in an Indonesian prison
A secret residential complex for wealthy inmates was discovered at Cibinong Prison in West Java. It was found during a surprise inspection by the national ombudsman.
There were more than 10 rooms on the… pic.twitter.com/mTtvGNgish
— NEXTA (@nexta_tv) September 30, 2026
Five Prison Officials Suspended
The discovery has triggered an investigation into how inmates gained access to the residences and whether prison personnel received payments in exchange for the privileges.
Five senior officials, including the head of Cibinong Prison, have been suspended. Prisoners and prison employees have also been questioned as authorities investigate who was responsible for allowing the arrangement.
The identities of the inmates who allegedly occupied the villas have not officially been disclosed. Cibinong Prison holds more than 1,800 inmates, including people convicted of corruption and other high-profile prisoners.
Indonesia’s Ombudsman said its inspection indicated that some inmates had access to facilities unavailable to the wider prison population. The case has prompted calls for authorities to establish who lived in the residences and whether money changed hands in exchange for preferential treatment.
Luxury Prison Scandals in Indonesia
The discovery has revived concerns about unequal treatment and corruption within Indonesia’s prison system. The country has faced similar scandals in the past involving wealthy or influential prisoners receiving privileges unavailable to ordinary inmates.
The latest case has drawn particular attention because the luxury accommodation existed within a prison holding more than 1,800 inmates.
Authorities are continuing to investigate who authorized the use of the residences, which inmates benefited from them and whether prison officials received money in exchange for access.
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