Some 2,600 Prisoners Immediately Released Due to Indonesian Independence Day Remission

In commemoration of Indonesia's 78th Independence Day, the Ministry of Law and Human Rights (KemenkumHAM) granted general remission to 175,500 prisoners. Of this number, 2,600 were immediately released.

Yasonna Laoly, the Minister of Law and Human Rights, stated that the remission granted to these inmates was not given voluntarily by the government. The remission was granted in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

"This is a form of appreciation and recognition for those who have diligently followed the guidance programs organized by the Correctional Technical Implementation Unit effectively and measurably," said Yasonna while leading the General Remission Granting Ceremony for the 78th Indonesian Independence Day at the KemenkumHAM office in Jakarta on Thursday (17/8/2023).

Yasonna advised the inmates who received remission to use this momentum as motivation to always behave well, abide by the applicable rules, and diligently participate in guidance programs.

According to him, the currently implemented guidance programs are a means of bringing inmates closer to community life.

(See also: Kemenkumham: 2,725 Prisoners Released After Receiving Remission on the 77th Indonesian Independence Day)

"Going forward, it is hoped that the applicable laws and norms in society can be internalized within yourselves and become mental, spiritual, and social provisions when you return to society in the future," said Yasonna.

Based on a written statement received by *Databoks*, the remission consisted of 172,904 recipients of general remission I (partial reduction) and 2,606 recipients of general remission II (immediate release).

Director General of Corrections, Reynhard Silitonga, revealed that the three regions with the most recipients of general remission (RU) were North Sumatra with 19,962 people; East Java with 17,106 people; and West Java with 17,016 people.

"RU was granted to inmates of general criminal offenses and specific criminal offenses," said Reynhard.

Reynhard added that through this remission, the government saved Rp267,715,830,000 in the cost of feeding prisoners.

(See also: The Number of Narcotics Prisoners and Detainees, Many Prisons are Over Capacity)