JAKARTA, INDONESIA, March 4, 2022 (Antara News): The Law and Human Rights Ministry granted special remissions (time off or even release) to a total of 1,117 Hindu prisoners across Indonesia for 2022 Hindu Silence Day (Nyepi Day) that coincides with the 1944 Saka New Year. “The granting of remissions is expected to motivate inmates to improve themselves and increase their obedience to God,” Coordinator of Public Relations and Protocol at the ministry Rika Aprianti noted in a written statement here on Thursday. Out of the total inmates, 1,113 people received partial remission.
In 2022, a total of 792 prisoners receiving the special remission were the subjects of the ministry’s Regional Office in Bali Province. As of February 22, 2022, the number of inmates in Indonesia totaled 271,252. One benefit to the government is a lessening of the cost of maintaining the prisoners in jail. The remissions for 2022 Nyepi Day are estimated to save prisoners’ meal costs of approx. US$38,000/year.
[HPI adds: Remission means a reduction of their sentence. In some cases this allows them to be released from jail altogether. They do this each year on holidays of the various religions. For example, on Christmas, for prisoners who behave themselves. It also saves the government money.]
https://en.antaranews.com/news/218045/some-1117-hindu-inmates-granted-remission-on-2022-silence-day