Arisal Aziz, a member of the Indonesian House of Representatives, has raised concerns about the escape of dozens of inmates from the Kutacane II B Prison in Southeast Aceh on March 10, 2025. The escaped inmates, many of whom were involved in drug-related crimes, pose a serious threat to security leading up to the Eid al-Fitr festivities.
The overcrowding issues at the prison, which has a capacity of only 100 inmates but was housing 368 individuals at the time of the escape, have made it increasingly difficult to monitor the inmates effectively, especially with a shortage of prison guards. With only six guards on duty during the incident, it’s no surprise that the escape occurred.
This problem of overcrowding and limited prison conditions is not unique to the Kutacane prison but is prevalent in almost all correctional facilities across Indonesia. During a meeting with the Ministry of Immigration and Corrections on February 10, 2025, Arisal revealed that approximately 531 prisons and detention centers throughout Indonesia are operating at 89% overcapacity, with a total of 265,346 inmates nationwide and a capacity of only 140,424.
Arisal emphasized the increasing risks associated with the rising number of escapees, particularly as holidays approach, which could potentially disrupt public peace. As a member of the House of Representatives, he pledged full support for the Directorate General of Corrections’ programs to address the issues within prisons nationwide.
The government, according to Arisal, must take immediate concrete actions to address the problem of overcrowding in prisons by coordinating with local authorities. This collaboration is essential to ensure that security issues, especially those related to escaped inmates, are promptly addressed.
While 38 of the escaped inmates have surrendered themselves, 14 are still at large. The Head of the Regional Office of the Directorate General of Corrections in Aceh urged the remaining escapees to return to custody, emphasizing the legal consequences they will face if they continue to evade capture.
Family members of the escapees were also called upon to support the efforts to recapture the inmates. The authorities urged them to assist in persuading the escapees to return to prison.
With the looming threat posed by the escaped inmates, Arisal stressed the importance of resolving this issue before Eid al-Fitr to ensure the safety and tranquility of the community during the festive season. It is crucial to act swiftly and decisively to prevent any potential security risks.
