Indonesia Tears Down Luxury Compound Inside Prison

Indonesian authorities on Wednesday ordered the demolition of a luxury compound inside a prison that was allegedly providing preferential treatment for favored inmates. Workers removed furniture and appliances including large flat-screen televisions, air conditioners, sofas, and refrigerators from the Cibinong Prison in Bogor, near the capital Jakarta, and several of the prison's buildings were demolished Wednesday, reports the AP. Investigators also reported finding a gym, a golf simulator under construction, and luxury vehicles in the complex.

The facility holds over 1,800 inmates, making it one of the most heavily populated prisons on Java Island. It has come under intense scrutiny after an investigating commission from the government's Ombudsman office reported finding luxury facilities during a surprise inspection on Sept. 23. "We encountered inmates inside the residential compound and discovered facilities resembling homestays, apartments, and villas rather than prison housing," said Ombudsman member Syafrida Rachmawati Rasahan. Five structural officials, including the Cibinong prison chief, have been suspended, reports the AP.