Jakarta – The Law and Human Rights Ministry says that there will be 19 new penitentiaries in operation by 2012 to solve overcapacity problems in the country's jails. Seven jails will be renovated as part of the process.

"They are currently under construction. God willing, 19 will be inaugurated in 2012 in a number of regions," ministry detention general director Sihabuddin said on Wednesday.

He said that the new penitentiaries would be built in Bandung, Bekasi and Banjar, West Java, Pamekasan on Madura Island, East Java and in Pekanbaru, Sumatra. The new penitentiaries will cost around Rp 700 billion (US$79.1).

He said the project would improve conditions, including health and safety, for inmates.