The Facts Behind the Escape of Dozens of Class II B Prisoners from Kutacane Prison Before Breaking the Fast

Kapanlagi.com - On Monday, March 10, 2025, the atmosphere before breaking the fast at the Class IIB Kutacane Correctional Institution in Southeast Aceh suddenly became tense. Amid the hustle and bustle of residents busy looking for iftar snacks, dozens of inmates suddenly fled, creating panic in the area. Video footage circulating shows this dramatic action, where several inmates are seen running out of the prison. Some residents who witnessed the incident tried to stop them, but their efforts seemed in vain.

It is estimated that around 50 inmates managed to escape in various ways; some exited through the main gate, while others daringly climbed the roof for freedom. As of now, the police have successfully recaptured 12 inmates, while 38 others are still at large.

According to information obtained on the ground, this incident was not due to negligence on the part of the officers, but rather a result of a mass protest that breached the security door. The inmates managed to damage the door from the inside, and some even climbed the roof to escape.

1. Causes of the Escape of Dozens of Inmates from Kutacane Prison

The escape of dozens of inmates from Class II B Kutacane Prison has highlighted various issues that disrupt order, one of which is dissatisfaction with the provided facilities. With a meal budget of only Rp20,000 per day, the inmates feel neglected.

Moreover, the glaring overcapacity condition—from the intended 150 people to 362—makes supervision by six security officers extremely difficult.

Not only that, the inmates' demand for love booths within the prison has also attracted attention, although the Head of the Prison, Andi Hasyim, emphasized that the request is in the hands of the central government. This situation creates opportunities for inmates to plan their escape, indicating the need for serious attention to the conditions inside the prison.

2. Chronology of the Inmate Escape

Chaos shook Class IIB Kutacane Prison since the afternoon when a group of inmates began expressing their protests regarding the concerning facilities. This protest quickly transformed into an uncontrollable mass action, as the inmates passionately pushed the prison door until it finally broke.

As soon as the first door opened, they rushed towards the second door in an increasingly chaotic atmosphere, while only six officers tried to control the hundreds of inmates determined to escape.

In an instant, the second door also fell, and some inmates successfully escaped through the main door, while others desperately climbed the roof in search of an opportunity to break free. The community witnessing this thrilling event attempted to stop the escape, but their numbers were no match for the wave of inmates rushing outside.

3. Efforts to Pursue and Capture Escaped Inmates

After this shocking incident, the police immediately took action swiftly, deploying a search team to capture the escaped inmates. Out of a total of 50 inmates, 12 have been successfully recaptured, while 38 others are still under intensive search by the officers.

To expedite the arrest process, the police also requested support from the Brimob unit from Gayo Lues. This step was taken to ensure that the search for the escaped inmates could be carried out more efficiently.

Not only focusing on the search, security forces have also tightened surveillance throughout the Southeast Aceh region. They are on alert at various border points to prevent the inmates from fleeing to other areas. Several roads are now heavily guarded, ensuring that not a single inmate can escape capture.

4. Government Response and Plans for Prison Improvement

The local government has shown deep concern regarding the incident that occurred at the Kutacane prison and is committed to making immediate improvements.

In an effort to address the issue of overcrowding, they are planning to relocate the prison to a larger site, hoping to create a better environment for the inmates and enhance security within the correctional facility.

The Southeast Aceh regency has also initiated a land donation to support this relocation plan. Additionally, the prison authorities will conduct a thorough evaluation of the existing security system, including increasing the number of officers to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.

5. FAQ

1. What is the main cause of inmates escaping from the Kutacane prison?

The escape of inmates is believed to have been triggered by dissatisfaction with facilities, such as inadequate food, overcrowding, and demands for romantic booths.

2. How many escaped inmates have been recaptured?

As of now, 12 out of 50 escaped inmates have been successfully recaptured by the police.

3. What steps is the government taking to prevent similar incidents?

The government plans to relocate the prison to a larger location and increase the number of security personnel.

4. Was there any negligence on the part of the prison officers?

The Kutacane Class II prison authorities claim that there was no negligence on the part of the officers in this incident. However, the number of officers being disproportionate to the number of inmates has been identified as a factor contributing to weak security.

(kpl/rmt)