For many, the Indonesian island of Bali represents a tropical paradise. Tourists from all over the world are drawn to the sun-soaked beaches, mountains and vibrant coral reefs. But not far from these alluring resorts is the notorious Kerobokan prison. The dichotomy between these two very different environments is striking. For the first time ever, prison officials allowed news teams unimpeded access to their facilities. Life Inside Kerobokan, produced by ABC Australia, is the exciting result.
The vast majority of prison inmates have convictions for drug-related offences. The film introduces five of the prisoners, who vividly express their unique perspectives. Matthew and Si Yi were arrested in 2005 and are currently serving life sentences for drug trafficking offences. A war correspondent for Reuters, David spent the next seven years of his life in the facility to obtain small amounts of marijuana. Heru served four years in prison for taking a small amount of methamphetamine when he was arrested. After all, Bagus was a professional chef serving seven years for fraud.
Together, these prisoners share their regrets, a series of unfortunate decisions that led them down a criminal path, their shattered dreams and hopes for the future. Most importantly, they talked about everyday life in this exotic fortress.
Prisons are overcrowded, and inmates must remain mentally stable to survive in living quarters that house many times their intended capacity. The resulting claustrophobia can be exhausting, but the prison offers plenty of activities to keep your sanity in the face of adversity.
Prisoners are free to move about in the yard for ten hours a day. Your task is to maintain the manicured grounds. Some choose to indulge their creativity and participate in screen printing at the institution’s bustling art studios.
They are allowed to visit their families once a month. These are every prisoner’s most cherished moments, although the time periods between visits can feel especially empty and painful.
Bali is some people’s paradise, some people’s hell. Life Inside Kerobokan offers a snapshot of captivity unlike any other.
