The Class IIB Pasir Pengaraian Correctional Institution (Lapas) is once again hit by negative rumors. Following previous rumors regarding cell rentals and the buying and selling of "tamping" (companion inmate) positions, allegations have now emerged regarding the commercialization of basic necessity facilities for inmates through the management of canteens with allegedly fantastic turnovers.
Based on gathered information, the management rights for two canteens inside the prison area were allegedly tendered for more than Rp1 billion per year. With the number of inmates isolated inside the prison, the daily cash flow in both canteens is estimated to reach tens to hundreds of millions of rupiah per day.
A former inmate, identified by the initial R, revealed that the prices of goods sold inside the prison are highly unreasonable compared to market prices outside. For instance, he mentioned that a single pack of low-to-mid-tier cigarettes can cost over Rp50,000. This monopolistic condition leaves inmates with no choice but to pay these prices to meet their daily needs.
In addition to the issue of price exploitation in the canteens, R also revealed alleged manipulation in every security raid. According to his testimony, searches for contraband such as mobile phones are often leaked beforehand. Inmates were reportedly instructed to hide their smartphones and only leave behind batteries or broken phone units to be confiscated by officers as a formality for reporting.
Responding to these allegations, the Head of the Pasir Pengaraian Prison Security Unit (KPLP), Veazanol Kosuma, did not provide a specific answer regarding the canteen management or the leaked raids. He only emphasized his institution's commitment to tightening officer supervision and executing manual and X-ray scanner checks for incoming goods.
To date, the public and the families of the inmates are urging the Regional Office of the Ministry of Law and Human Rights (Kanwil Kemenkumham) of Riau to take immediate action and conduct an independent investigation. This step is considered crucial to thoroughly investigate the indications of abuse of authority and systematic extortion practices behind the prison bars.
