On Wednesday, September 30, 2026, authorities in Jakarta and West Java initiated the demolition of an unauthorized luxury housing cluster built on riverbanks within the grounds of Lapas Kelas IIA Cibinong. Inspektur Jenderal Kementerian Imigrasi dan Pemasyarakatan (Irjen Imipas) Komjen Rudi Setiawan confirmed during a press briefing at the site that the structures lacked proper permits and were never registered as state property (BMN).
Demolition of Unauthorized Structures at Lapas Cibinong
Heavy machinery moved onto the property at 12.45 WIB, targeting a row of residential buildings constructed through self-funding rather than state budgets (APBN). An excavator painted purple began the operation by dismantling the front canopy and wall of official residence number three, subsequently collapsing its front yard. The demolition then proceeded systematically through residential units numbered four, five, six, and seven under the watchful eyes of Dirjenpas Mashudi and members of Commission XIII of the House of Representatives (DPR).
According to Irjen Imipas Komjen Rudi Setiawan, the cluster was erected illegally on the edge of a river basin, violating environmental and zoning prohibitions against building near waterways. “This is not registered in the BMN (state property). Then it does not have a permit to erect a building, because if we look together, in the river border that is the river flow, and this is prohibited, and buildings must not be erected,” Rudi stated.
Investigation into Abuse of Power and Disciplinary Sanctions
The operation follows an inspection by the Ombudsman, which previously documented photographic evidence indicating occupancy within the luxury cluster. Officials have since identified several individuals who stayed in the units and are actively investigating who permitted the construction and occupation. Rudi categorized the situation as a clear abuse of power by personnel at the facility.
Disciplinary measures for the violations carry severe consequences, ranging from demotion and active duty suspension to dishonorable discharge. Authorities conducted overnight examinations involving the Vice Chairman of Commission XIII DPR and the head of the penitentiary (kalapas) to cross-reference statements gathered during earlier inquiries.
Did You Know? The demolition machinery deployed to clear the unauthorized riverbank cluster at Lapas Cibinong specifically began its work at official residence number three before advancing sequentially through units four, five, six, and seven.
self-funding and permit violations at lapas cibinong luxury cluster
Who authorized or funded the luxury cluster at Lapas Cibinong?
According to Irjen Imipas Komjen Rudi Setiawan, the buildings were not funded by the state budget (APBN) but were instead constructed independently through self-funding (swadaya).
Why were the buildings considered illegal?
Officials stated that the structures lacked building permits, were unregistered as state property (BMN), and violated regulations by being built directly on the river border and streamflow.
What punishments do officials face for the violations?
Investigators confirmed that penalties for the breach include demotion, suspension from active duty, and dishonorable discharge following cross-examinations of the facility’s leadership.
What steps should the government take to prevent unauthorized construction on state-owned correctional properties in the future?
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