The positions were transferred at about 9.30am on Friday during a short ceremony at the official residence of the chief warden.
Bowo Nariwono was replaced by Gusti Ngurah Wiratna, while Anang Khuzaini by Wayan Agus Miardi, respectively, the former chief warden of the Karangasem penitentiary and chief of security of the Tabanan penitentiary.
The director general of penitentiaries, Sihabudin, confirmed the transfer of the posts but denied that they were dismissals. "There is no dismissal. It is only a replacement," he said.
Sihabudin also denied that the replacement was done to meet the demand of the prisoners, who expressed their dislike of Bowo Nariwono`s leadership.
"It is not because of their demand, but it was done according to the standard operating procedures," he said.
He added that the decision was also taken to ease the two officials` questioning over the incident and to meet the demand of the minister of law and human rights.
"As they were only replaced, it did not mean that they had made mistakes. Things like this are common. It was like the Cipinang penitentiary case recently," he said.
The chief warden of the Cipinang penitentiary in Jakarta was recently replaced after the deputy minister of law and human rights caught a high profile detainee holding a meeting with lawyers and a parliamentary member late at night after visiting hours.
Regarding the selection of the new prison officials, Sihabudin said the choice was based on various criteria. "First, we see, he (the new chief warden) is Balenese. It was also made based on input from the regional office of the ministry of law and human rights. He is now still an acting and not yet a permanent chief warden," he noted.
(Uu.H-YH/INE/B003)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
Copyright © ANTARA 2012
