Total Prisoners Throughout Indonesia Receive Christmas 2024 Remissions As Many As 15,807 Prisoners

Illustration of prisoners being released from prison. (Between)

JAKARTA - The Indonesian government provides special remissions (RK) in the context of Christmas 2024 which was received by 15,807 prisoners throughout Indonesia.

Minister of Immigration and Corrections (Imipas) Agus Andrianto explained, as many as 15,691 inmates of whom received a partial reduction in their criminal period (RK I) and 116 other prisoners were immediately released (RK II).

In addition, the Ministry of Maritime Affairs also provides reduced criminal terms (PMP) to 169 fostered children. As for the details, namely 166 fostered children received partial reductions (PMP I) and three others were immediately released (PMP II).

Thus, the total number of inmates and children who received special remissions or reduced criminal sentences in this year's Christmas momentum amounted to 15,976 people.

Agus explained that granting remissions and reducing the criminal period is an award for inmates and foster children who have shown good behavior, adhered to the rules, actively participated in coaching programs, and showed a decrease in risk levels.

"The correctional system sees punishment not only as revenge, but must prioritize the aspect of coaching so that it is able to lead inmates to repent and be aware of the mistakes made," Agus said in an official statement, Wednesday, December 25, which was confiscated by Antara.

North Sumatra is listed as the province with the most special remission recipients for Christmas 2024, which is 3,196 inmates, followed by East Nusa Tenggara with 1,894 inmates and Papua with 1,447 inmates.

Meanwhile, the children who received the most criminal period reductions came from North Sumatra and West Papua, each of which was recorded at 23 people. There are also several foster children from Papua, namely 20 people.

The granting of remissions and reduced criminal periods is based on various regulations, including Law Number 22 of 2022 concerning Corrections, Government Regulation Number 32 of 1999 along with its amendments, as well as Presidential Decree Number 174 of 1999 concerning Remissions.

Minister Imipas congratulated the inmates and children who celebrated Christmas and received remission. He encourages prisoners and fostered children to always be productive and improve themselves.

Agus also appreciated the correctional officers under the Directorate General of Corrections, the government, and other related parties for their contribution in supporting the development of inmates.

"I hope that the guidance that you have received can build your capacity into a potential human resource so that your return to the community can provide value of benefits," said Minister Imipas.