The prison population in Indonesia increased by 75% between 2010 and 2016. It gained 12,000 new prisoners between January and March 2017.

Approximately 70% of detainees are imprisoned for drug-related offenses. Most are convicted for drug use.

The Indonesian government implemented, in 2015, a new policy to prosecute 433 new criminal offenses, mainly drug-related, not regulated by the Indonesian Criminal Code (KUHP).

This results in a high rate of overcrowding. Cells meant to accommodate five detainees sometimes shelter 40 people. Corruption and drugs are ubiquitous.

Riots, uprisings and escapes are frequent. A riot in Jambi prison killed five people wounded on 1 March 2017. Four detainees took advantage of the mob to escape. Six prisoners escaped from Abepura prison (Papua) on 19 February 2017 during a religious service.