Minister Imipas Asks For Unintensive Staff After Riots In Beliti Prison

Minister of Immigration and Corrections (Imipas) Agus Andrianto

JAKARTA - Minister of Immigration and Corrections (Imipas) Agus Andrianto asked all levels of the Ministry of Imipas not to be afraid after the riots at the Muara Beli Narcotics Correctional Institution (Lapas), Musi Rawas, South Sumatra, Thursday (8/5).

Because, he said, raids in prisons are an effort in realizing Indonesian correctional facilities that are more dignified, productive, and humane.

"The riots at the Muara Beliti Narcotics Prison that occurred due to the refusal of inmates to raids are proof that the steps we have taken have touched the root of the problem," said Agus, as confirmed in Jakarta, Saturday.

He also emphasized that zero gadgets and drugs are fixed prices. Thus, anyone who is proven to be involved, both inmates and officers, will be dealt with firmly in accordance with applicable regulations.

Agus said that for 6 months he carried out the mandate as Minister of Imipas, he and all ranks worked hard to organize the correctional system so that they actually returned to their muruah, namely prisons as places of guidance, not places to organize crimes.

The Ministry of Imipas conducts consistent and comprehensive raids to eradicate drug trafficking, the circulation of cell phones or cellphones in prisons which are the main sources of problems, as well as taking action against illegal levies in prisons.

"These steps are not symbolic, but part of real and measurable efforts that have been my priority since my first day in office," he said.

Therefore, he asked for support and prayers from all parties for the struggle so that the Ministry of Imipas could carry out more optimal guidance, in order to prepare the inmates to return to society as individuals who are aware of their mistakes and are able to contribute positively to the nation and state.

"This change is ongoing and I make sure there is no place for compromise against violations," Agus added.

The Ministry of Imipas noted that throughout March 2025, urine and raid tests had been carried out simultaneously with the findings of various prohibited items, namely 1,115 cellphones, 2,291 electronic goods, and 2,880 sharp weapons.

On the other hand, as many as 548 inmates who are at high risk have been transferred to Nusakambangan Island. Based on the results of the prosecution and assessment, the convict is indicated to still control drug trafficking and online fraud from prisons and detention centers (rutan) before.

In addition, throughout November 2024 to April 2025, as many as 82 correctional officers had also received disciplinary penalties until they were dismissed for being involved in violations.

In detail, as many as four heads of technical implementation units (UPT) were disabled, 14 structural officials were disabled, 57 people were trained and supervised, two officers were detained by the Provincial National Narcotics Agency (BNNP), two Heads of UPT were under investigation, two structural officials were under investigation, and one officer was under investigation.

In order to prevent the circulation of prohibited communication tools, Minister Imipas utilizes the development of digital information technology through portable signal detection devices.

Not only that, but the Warung Telekomunikasi Special for Corrections (Wartelsuspas) has also been inaugurated as a means of fulfilling the communication needs of inmates and their families.

To reduce the risk of criminal repetition (residivism), coaching programs are also carried out for prisoners, prisoners, and foster children who need rehabilitation so that they can be separated from dependence on illegal drugs.