Bali’s notorious Kerobokan Prison is dangerously over capacity and understaffed, a fact that’s been at the forefront now more than ever since a violent clash erupted on December 17, 2015 between two gangs.
Talk that’s nothing new is finally getting more serious of relocating the prison to a more suitable and less tight spot that’s not right in the middle of a popular tourist area. On the table is a proposal from Bali’s Governor Made Mangku Pastika to move the prison to Suwung Landfill, right amongst the garbage.
No, the irony is not lost on prison officials either.
Kerobokan Chief Warden Kusbiyantoro is saying he strongly disagrees with this plan.
“Referring to the Bali governor’s plan, I do not agree. Suwung is right where all the garbage gets thrown out. Do not be mistaken, prisoners will actually be considered the dregs of society later. They are also people of Bali. Bali residents who still need guidance,” Kusbiyantoro said at a meeting between the regional council (DPRD), Bali Police, and the National Narcotics Agency (BNN) on Monday, as quoted by Tribun Bali.
In addition to his display of compassion for his prisoners, the warden also brought up obvious health concerns, speaking to a more practical level.
“Later, if 900 convicts get diarrhea, then what? They’re human beings, people of Bali,” he added.
In his defense, the governor has justified Suwung as a suitable place for the prison, as the land space is big and is located far from residential areas.
Other than at Suwung, there’s also chatter of moving the prison to Nusa Penida or Karangasem.
But of course there’s some NIMBY (not in my backyard) sentiment—Klungkung officials have said they flatly reject a prison being constructed on Nusa Penida, an island southwest of Bali, voicing fears it would hurt their budding tourism industry.
On the flip side, Karangasem authorities say they welcome the prospect of the new prison with open arms. “For the safety of Bali, we invite authorities in the prison’s management to find land in Karangasem,” Ketut Wijera of the Karangasem legislature told Tribun Bali. So maybe Karangasem’s the best fit?
Looks like we’ll just have to wait and see what direction this goes in.
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