Pondok Bambu detention center faces extortion allegations

The Ombudsman of the Republic of Indonesia has uncovered allegations of illegal levies at the Pondok Bambu Class I Detention Center in East Jakarta. During a visit on September 15, 2026, officials discovered that inmates were being charged approximately Rp500,000 to move to different rooms and as much as Rp250 million to use mobile phones within the facility.

In addition to the extortion allegations, the Ombudsman reported overcrowding in blocks C and D, while block A remains relatively normal. The detention center management has reportedly promised to reorganize inmate placement to alleviate congestion.

In response to these findings, Commission XIII of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) has urged the Ministry of Immigration and Correctional Services (Kemenimipas) to conduct a thorough investigation. Lawmakers are calling for an audit to identify those involved in the money flow and to ensure that sanctions are applied not just to field officers, but to any systemic actors responsible for these practices.