Kerobokan Prison

Hidden behind these walls lies Kerobokan Prison. It’s a place shrouded in stories, some of triumph, others of despair. Kerobokan Prison opened in 1979. It was originally designed to house a mere 300 inmates. Today, it holds over 1,400 souls, a stark testament to its overflowing population. Kerobokan Prison earned the nickname “Hotel K.” This ironic moniker speaks volumes about its infamous reputation and the various nationalities it houses. As of 2017, more than 90% of the inmates were Indonesian, with a staggering 78% serving time for drug-related offenses. Each prisoner receives a meager 15,000 rupiah, equivalent to roughly $1.08, per day. The walls of Kerobokan Prison have witnessed their share of turmoil. Riots and violence have punctuated its history. In December 2015, gang violence claimed the lives of two inmates, forcing the transfer of over one hundred prisoners to different facilities. Kerobokan Prison has also seen daring escapes. In June 2017, four inmates from various countries—Australia, Bulgaria, India, and Malaysia—dug a 15-meter tunnel to freedom. Just a few months later, in December 2017, two Americans attempted an escape by cutting a hole in the roof. One was immediately apprehended. The other, however, managed to evade capture, prompting a large-scale manhunt. This prison has housed notable figures like Schapelle Corby, who served nine years of a 20-year sentence before being granted parole in 2014. Michael Blanc, sentenced to life, spent 14 years within these walls before his release in 2014. The Bali Bombers, responsible for the 2002 Kuta nightclub bombings, were also held here before their execution. And let’s not forget the Bali Nine, Australians caught smuggling heroin, some of whom met their fate here as well. Kerobokan Prison is more than just bricks and bars. It’s a microcosm of human stories, a blend of hope and despair, echoing within its confines.