3,657 Prisoners in Salemba Prison Cast Votes

As many as 3,657 prisoners in Salemba Prison, Central Jakarta, used their voting rights in the 2014 legislative election, Wednesday (4/9). The voting process which held at 7 AM-12 PM ran orderly.

We deploy 24 personnel to guard polling stations. TPS 48 and 49 are in the visiting room, while TPS 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, and 55 are inside the prison

Based on beritajakarta.com observations, there were eight polling stations (TPS) inside the prison and two outside. Using loudspeaker, the prisoners were summoned alternately to come to the polling stations from their prison rooms.

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Central Jakarta Metro Resort Police Operational Division Chief AKBP Apollo Sinambela disclosed that his side and Cempaka Putih Sector Police deployed 24 personnel to secure the election in Salemba Prison. “ We deploy 24 personnel to guard polling stations. TPS 48 and 49 are in the visiting room, while TPS 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, and 55 are inside the prison . The election runs conducive and smooth,” he stated, Wednesday (4/9).

Salemba Prison Head, Abdul Karim, said that based on the latest data, there are 3,367 prisoners in his prison. “There are at least 3,700 prisoners here, but the exact number is not fix due to prisoners are in and out. But based on the latest count on Wednesday morning, there are 3,657 prisoners,” he explained.

According to Karim, Central Jakarta General Election Commission (KPU) has asked for new prisoners data since 2013. However, there are still new prisoners who have not been recorded yet. “The latest data had been given to KPU in January 2014. That’s why it is not denied that there are many voter cards here,” he expressed.

Regarding logistic readiness, Karim claimed there is no problem whatsoever that could hinder voting in Salemba Prison. “But for technical, indeed there are constraints due to inadequate place,” he acknowledged.

To smooth the election, additional officers were dispatched. In details, 28 prison officers, 16 police officers, and 3 military district officers. “There are 28 picket officers. That doesn’t include KPPS officers. In total, there are 150 officers guard polling stations in Salemba Prison,” finished Karim.