JAKARTA, Indonesia – A bold and unprecedented decision by Indonesia’s Minister of Immigration and Corrections (Imipas) to release hundreds of inmates from a flooding prison in Aceh has drawn significant praise, framed as a powerful act of humanitarian priority over strict protocol.
The move by Minister Agus Andrianto, a retired general, to authorize the release of prisoners from the Class IIB Kuala Simpang Correctional Facility as floodwaters submerged the complex has been lauded by the Indonesian Online Journalists Association (IWO). The organization hailed it as a necessary and wise strategic choice.
“Humanity above all else. And today, Minister Imipas has proven just that,” stated Teuku Yudhistira, Chairman of IWO, commenting on the decision to free the inmates as a disaster response measure. He called the move a post major—a necessary step taken after a major event.
The prison in Aceh Tamiang Regency was completely inundated, with water levels reaching up to two meters, placing the lives of all inmates and staff at immediate risk. Faced with this unforeseen crisis, the minister’s order to release the prisoners became a critical evacuation measure.
“The strategic step decided by the Minister is, in our assessment, very wise given the unpredictable nature of the flood disaster,” Yudhistira explained. He acknowledged the dilemma such a decision poses for any official but emphasized the primacy of human safety.
The decision has also sparked positive discourse on rehabilitation. Yudhistira pointed to a viral social media story from the floods as evidence of potential positive outcomes. The story detailed a female judge in Aceh Tamiang who was reportedly assisted by an inmate she had once sentenced.
“This, we feel, is a value-add to the success of Minister Imipas in fostering rehabilitation there,” he added, suggesting that the incident highlights the humanity and capacity for good within the incarcerated individuals.
The forced release during disaster sets a significant precedent in Indonesia’s corrections management, showcasing an emergency protocol where immediate lifesaving actions override standard custodial procedures. The widespread appreciation for this decision underscores a societal acknowledgment that in moments of extreme crisis, preservation of life must be the paramount consideration.
Reported by Ferry Fadly
Written by Hey Bali Newsroom