Ayu Cipta, Jakarta – A total of 16,078 Catholic and Protestant inmates across Indonesia received special remission during Christmas 2025. From this number, 174 inmates were declared free immediately.
The Minister of Immigration and Corrections, Agus Andrianto, stated that this remission policy is to ensure the rights of inmates. "This policy is also part of a rehabilitation system that is oriented towards humanity and recovery," he said in a written statement on Wednesday, December 24, 2025.One of those receiving special remissions is former Social Affairs Minister Juliari Batubara. The convict, who was sentenced to 12 years in prison and is undergoing assimilation, received a detention reduction of 1 month and 15 days.
Juliari is a corruption convict who is serving time at Class I Tangerang Penitentiary. Tempo noted that he has received a total sentence reduction of more than 7 months.
Previously, Juliari received a one-month reduction during Christmas 2022, four months during the 73rd Indonesian Independence Day, and one month during Christmas 2023.
Agus said remission is not merely a sentence reduction, but an appreciation of achievements, dedication, and discipline for inmates. Remission also serves as an instrument to encourage better behavior, strengthen motivation, and prepare inmates to return and serve a positive role in society.
According to Agus, granting remission also applies the principles of justice and non-discrimination and reinforces the best interests, especially for juvenile inmates. From an institutional perspective, this policy can reduce overcrowding in prisons.
In line with the theme of Christmas 2025, "God is Present to Save the Family," Agus advises inmates to use family as motivation to stay on the path of God and continue to improve themselves.
"Be responsible for all actions taken. Be responsible to your wife, children, husband, and parents. Do not do anything that harms them, let alone repeat the same mistakes," Agus Andrianto said.
Meanwhile, the Director General of Corrections, Mashudi, explained that the recipients of the remission have fulfilled administrative and substantive requirements in accordance with prevailing laws and regulations. In addition, the process was carried out in a transparent manner.
"All recipients of special remission and sentence reduction for Christmas are well-behaved inmates, actively participating in rehabilitation programs, and showing a decrease in risk," said Mashudi.
In addition to its impact on rehabilitation, the granting of remission contributes to state budget efficiency, cutting a total of Rp9,478,462,500 on inmates' meals.
Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/2076045/indonesia-grants-christmas-remission-to-16078-inmate