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JAKARTA: Some 12,641 Christian and Catholic inmates in Indonesian prisons received special Christmas Day remission from the Law and Human Rights Ministry’s Directorate General of Prisons.

Out of the total inmates granted remission, majority of the inmates totaling 12,562 received sentence reduction, while the remaining 79 inmates were awarded special remission, thereby allowing for an earlier release, stated the directorate general’s Public Relations and Protocol Department, Head Rika Aprianti said. “The government granted remission as a mark of appreciation for inmates, who have improved themselves during their incarceration period,” Aprianti stated.

Out of the total 273,992 prisoners incarcerated in correctional facilities nationwide as of December 23, 2021, some 19,609 belong to Christian and Catholic denominations, the department head noted.

The 12,562 inmates received varied sentence cuts, with 2,296 inmates receiving a 15-day remission, 7,884 inmates granted 30-day remission, 1,854 inmates awarded a remission of one month and 15 days, and the remaining 528 inmates granted a two-month remission, she stated.

Out of the 79 inmates released earlier after receiving remission, some 28 inmates received a 15-day remission, 34 inmates were awarded a 30-day remission, 15 inmates were granted remission of one month and 15 days, and two people received a two-month remission, Aprianti noted.

The department head remarked that the two provinces, with large number of inmates granted Christmas remission were North Sumatra, with 2,456 inmates, and East Nusa Tenggara, with 1,158 inmates.

“Inmates, who have fulfilled administrative and legal requirements, can receive the Christmas remission. Apart from reducing their sentence, we hope this would also motivate inmates to improve themselves,” Aprianti stated.

She encouraged inmates, who had yet to receive remissions, to be patient and continue to improve themselves during their incarceration period.

“We hope through this remission, inmates would embrace the spirit of Christmas and be grateful to the Almighty God. Remission is granted because inmates have improved themselves and served God well,” Aprianti remarked.