Jakarta – Actor Ammar Zoni is now in Nusakambangan Island, Cilacap, Central Java after he was caught selling drugs at the Salemba Detention Center, Central Jakarta. Nusakambangan Island is not just an ordinary island because convicts with major crime cases gather on it. How scary is the ‘Indonesian Alcatraz’ prison? Nusakambangan Island is always compared to Alcatraz Island, an island located in the middle of San Francisco Bay in California, United States. Alcatraz was originally a military fort, then converted to military prisons and then back to a civilian prison. However, since the 60s, the island has been closed and later turned into a tourist attraction at the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. The location of the island, which is geographically in the Central Java province, is far from the crowds. Nusakambangan Island began to be opened up by the Dutch colonial government by building several prisons specifically for those convicted of first-degree crimes and political criminals. Scroll TO CONTINUE CONTENTS The prisons on Nusakambangan Island are Batu Prison (built in 1925), Besi Prison (built in 1929), Kembang Kuning Prison (built in 1950) and Permisan Prison (built in 1908). The other five, namely Nirbaya, Karang Tengah, Limus Buntu, Karang Anyar and Gleger, are closed. Island of Death Reported by Antara, Nusakambangan Island is nicknamed “Island of Death”, Nusakambangan is not only a place of detention but also an execution place for prisoners sentenced to death. Security in this prison is very strict, with several cells equipped with a maximum security system. Not only that, this island is guarded by fully armed troops to ensure that there is no escape or outside interference. In fact, there are special isolation cells meant for prisoners with a high level of risk. Not just anyone can enter this area. Civilians are strictly prohibited from accessing this island except with a special permit. This island really is a world of its own, isolated from normal life. Big Class Prison The convicts languishing in Nusakambangan are not ordinary criminals. Here there are serial killers, international drug traffickers and terrorists who have threatened national security. Some famous names who spent time in Nusakambangan include Amrozi, Mukhlas and Imam Samudra, the mastermind behind the Bali bombing. Apart from that there was also Umar Patek, convicted of terrorism, as well as Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran of the Bali Nine who were executed on this island. Not only violent criminals, several other well-known figures such as Tommy Suharto, who was involved in the assassination of Supreme Court Justice Syafiuddin Kartasasmita, and Pramoedya Ananta Toer, a writer accused of being involved with the Indonesian Communist Party (PKI), also experienced tense life behind bars in Nusakambangan. One of the scariest places in Nusakambangan is Nirbaya Hill, the place of execution of convicts sentenced to the highest punishment. It was in this place that many lives were cut short in the dark of night, accompanied by the sound of gunfire from executions. This hill is a silent witness to the end of the journey of prisoners who have no more hope. It is not surprising that an aura of mystery and suspense always surrounds this place. Difficult Access As a special prison, Nusakambangan Island is definitely difficult to access. To reach the island, visitors must cross from the Wijayakusuma Pier which is part of the Cilacap Regency area. The crossing distance is approximately 20 minutes. This difficult access was felt directly by criminal expert from Jenderal Soedirman University (Unsoed) Purwokerto, prof. Dr. Hibnu Nugrono, who repeatedly visited and investigated Nusakambangan Island 10 years ago. In 2015, Hibnu spoke about the difficulty of getting to Nusakambangan Island. “What is clear is that it is far from the hustle and bustle of the city. Indeed, the prison is busy, there are many prisoners. But outside the prison it is quiet, there are no villages,” said Hibnu, Wednesday (4/3/2015). Arriving at Nusakambangan Island, visitors must travel overland for 20 minutes by motorcycle or four-wheel vehicle on a paved road that is not too slippery. The LP complex backs onto Cilacap Beach and overlooks the Indonesian Ocean. Because it is surrounded by sea, prisoners determined to escape through the Indonesian Ocean will surely die when swallowed by very large waves. Hibnu said that security in Nusakambangan could certainly be suitable for carrying out the death penalty. “Just about 2-3 months ago, I went there with a group of students. Not just anyone can go there. Access is only via the pier,” said Hibnu. Apart from that, Hibnu explained that the nature in Nusakambangan is still quite wild. Many cobras roam the forests of Nusakambangan. When night falls, there is only darkness, the sounds of nocturnal animals and evil mosquitoes. The MP and the beach are separated by a wild swamp so the only way to escape is to return to the cruise port. Prisoners who are determined to enter the forest are willing to die because the forest in Nusakambangan is very dense. If you go through a swamp, in addition to draining your energy, you will also be prepared to be eaten by crocodiles. “The snake’s habitat is there. So it is specifically protected,” Hibnu said. (eva/dhn)
Ammar Zoni If you stay in Nusakambangan, how terrible is ‘Indonesian Alcatraz’?
