Six inmates released after receiving Vesak Day remissions in Indonesia

Indonesia's Ministry of Immigration and Corrections has granted special remissions and sentence reductions to 1,052 Buddhist inmates and children across the nation in observance of Vesak Day 2570 BE (2026). The releases took place on Sunday, May 31, 2026. A total of 1,047 inmates received the Vesak special remission, with five children receiving special sentence reductions. Minister of Immigration and Corrections Agus Andrianto stated that these remissions fulfill the rights of inmates and children who meet the administrative and substantive requirements.

"This special remission is a form of state appreciation for inmates and children who have shown positive behavioral changes and actively participated in rehabilitation programs during their incarceration," Andrianto said on Sunday. Among the recipients of the 2026 Vesak special remission, 1,041 were granted RK I, a partial reduction of their sentence. Six inmates received RK II, allowing for their immediate release. All five children received PMP Khusus I, a special sentence reduction.

Andrianto expressed hope that the remissions would motivate inmates and children to continue self-improvement and prepare for healthy, productive reintegration into society. "The Vesak momentum should serve as a time for self-reflection to continuously improve behavior, strengthen self-control, and enhance spiritual and moral quality in life," he added.

Director General of Corrections Mashudi highlighted the financial impact of these remissions, noting savings of Rp840,525,000 in inmate meal budgets and Rp2,145,000 in child inmate meal budgets. As of May 21, 2026, Indonesia's correctional system held 270,779 individuals, comprising 55,457 detainees and 215,322 inmates. The population of children and child inmates stood at 1,663.