Two Inmates Dead and Dozens Poisoned by Homemade Alcohol at Bukittinggi Prison

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Two inmates at the Bukittinggi Class IIA Penitentiary in West Sumatra have died, and dozens more have been hospitalized following a suspected alcohol poisoning incident involving homemade alcohol mixed with perfume-grade alcohol. The event occurred on Wednesday, April 30.

The first victim, identified as I, died at Bukittinggi General Hospital around 4:30 p.m. WIB, two hours after being rushed from the prison. Initial reports suggest that the cause of death was alcohol poisoning from the illicit alcohol.

The second victim, identified as MA, passed away on the morning of Thursday, May 1, at Achmad Mochtar Hospital (RSAM). "The patient suffered from alcohol intoxication, with elevated potassium and CO2 levels, which led to respiratory failure," said Busril, the hospital's director.

Busril added that the hospital initially received 22 inmates. Two were in critical condition and required ventilator support in the ICU. Currently, ten inmates have been discharged, while eleven remain hospitalized—three in critical condition. One has since died.

Marselina Budiningsih, head of the West Sumatra Ministry of Immigration and Corrections, confirmed that an investigation team has been formed, working in partnership with the Bukittinggi Police. "Preliminary findings suggest that 70 percent alcohol, originally intended for a self-reliance program to make perfume, was stolen and mixed with packaged drinks and ice," she said on Thursday.

The alcohol was initially taken for tattoo removal purposes but was later misused for communal drinking. The Ministry of Corrections is looking into possible negligence on the part of the officers involved.

Bukittinggi Police Chief Sr. Comr. Yessi Kurniati said authorities have seized evidence, including containers used for the homemade alcohol, and have begun questioning inmates. "Some inmates have yet to be interviewed," she said.

West Sumatra Police Chief Insp. Gen. Gatot Tri Suryanta stated that he had instructed the Bukittinggi Police to conduct a thorough investigation. “The investigation will take time,” he said.

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