Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta.  Minister of Immigration and Corrections Agus Andrianto announced on Tuesday (11/3/2025) an evaluation of prison overcapacity following the Monday’s escape of dozens of inmates from Kutacane Penitentiary in Southeast Aceh.

"The first step is to address the overcapacity issue," he said, as quoted by antaranews.com

Kutacane Penitentiary, designed for 100 inmates, currently houses approximately 368. 

Minister Agus acknowledged this as a longstanding issue and proposed alternative solutions, including rehabilitation for drug offenders instead of imprisonment. Discussions on this initiative have been held with the National Narcotics Agency (BNN), the police, and the Attorney General’s Office.

The government is also assessing around 19,000 inmates, mostly drug users, for potential amnesty by President Prabowo Subianto. 

“If this amnesty is granted, it will significantly ease the burden on correctional facilities,” Minister Agus explained.

To prevent further overcrowding, the ministry urged prison officials to be selective in accepting detainees from other institutions. "Only those with final court rulings should be admitted," he emphasized.

Authorities are still investigating the cause of the escape, which occurred before breaking fast. Some fugitives have been recaptured, while others remain at large.

(mg/inp/pr/nm)