Ban On Political Prisoners Voting, But Not Rapists
Jenny Grant in Cipinang Prison

South China Morning Post
June 8, 1999

Six political prisoners stood helplessly at the back of the exercise yard in Jakarta's Cipinang Prison as 500 of their fellow inmates voted.

For the jailed chairman of the People's Democratic Party (PRD), Budiman Sudjatmiko, not being allowed to cast a ballot was intensely frustrating. As a prisoner serving 13 years for subversion, Sudjatmiko could only walk in circles as thieves and rapists cast their ballots.

"Although the election is under way and we can compete as a party, our personal political rights are cut," Sudjatmiko said before being escorted away.

A prisoner who has received a term of more than five years cannot vote.

"Our system is even freer than in most Western countries. We have 506 prisoners of 1,682 voting today," boasted the head of the jail, Subari.

A PRD member, Gusti Agung Anom Astika, also jailed for subversion, said his radical group began the process which brought down Suharto last year and which led to yesterday's elections.

Astika said although he could not vote, he felt proud his group initiated the reform movement.

The assembled criminals, tattooed and shaven-headed, said they were happy to take part in the vote.

Heroin dealer Deny Febriano said Megawati Sukarnoputri was the most popular political figure inside the high-security jail. "We trust Megawati because she fought the Suharto regime. When I get out I want to help build the new Indonesia too," he said.