Admits Tangerang Class I Lapas Are Over Capacity: Currently We Are Focusing On Recovery

JAKARTA - Head of the Public Relations and Protocol Section of the Directorate General of Past Rika Apriyanti admitted that the number of inmates at the Class I Tangerang Correctional Institution (Lapas) exceeds capacity. In fact, almost three times the capacity.

"If the condition of the prison is over capacity, yes," said Rika to reporters, Wednesday, September 8.

Based on the data, the capacity of Class I Tangerang prison should ideally accommodate 900 inmates. However, in reality, there are currently more than 2,000 convicts for various crimes.

"From the supposed capacity of 900, it is currently filled with 2,069 people," he said.

Even so, Rika said it should not be used as an excuse. Currently, his party will focus on overcoming the problems that arise as a result of the fire incident.

"Currently, we are concentrating on the first handling of the inmates and officers. The second is the recovery from the condition of the Tangerang Class I prison," said Rika. As a result of the fire, 41 inmates died.

In addition, it was recorded that 8 inmates suffered serious injuries and 72 inmates suffered minor injuries. They have been taken to the clinic for treatment.

So far, the cause of the fire is still being investigated. However, it is suspected that the cause was an electric short circuit.