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Hotel K: The Shocking Inside Story of Bali's Most Notorious Jail
Welcome to Hotel Kerobokan, the ironic name given to Bali's most notorious jail by its inmates. It's a bizarre nether world where murderers sleep alongside petty thieves, drug and alcohol addiction is rife, guards are corrupt and money talks. Into this hellhole have passed a procession of the infamous and the tragic: the Bali bombers, Gold Coast beautician Schapelle Corby, the Bali Nine and Chris Packer, among many others. The inmates grim experiences are at stark odds with the holiday paradise that exists just beyond Kerobokan's dank concrete walls. Hotel Kerobokan is the shocking inside story of the jail and its inmates - famous, infamous and unknown, written by an Australian with unprecedented access to the inside. Kathryn Bonella spent a year in Bali, entering the jail every day to co-write Schapelle Corby's bestselling 2006 autobiography. Now she's telling the incredible story of the jail itself. Backed up by interviews with prisoners past and present, the truth about Hotel Kerobokan explodes off the page. Simultaneously mesmerising and stomach-turning, Hotel Kerobokan paints a confronting picture. Everything you've heard is true. And there's much, much more than you ever imagined there could be.
301 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
394 people are currently reading
3466 people want to read
About the author
Kathryn Bonella
11 books171 followersAustralian Journalist
Former 60 Minutes tv producer.
Kathryn has written 4 bestselling books.
Instagram @kathryn.bonella
Snowing in Bali
SNOWING IN BALI/KATHRYN BONELLA
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...
Operation Playboy
OPERATION PLAYBOY / KATHRYN BONELLA
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...
Hotel Kerobokan
"HOTEL KEROBOKAN" [HOTEL K]
https://www.goodreads.com/search?q=HO...
Schapelle Corby My Story (also titled No More Tomorrows.)
"SCHAPELLE CORBY MY STORY" [NO MORE TOMORROWS]
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
Former 60 Minutes tv producer.
Kathryn has written 4 bestselling books.
Instagram @kathryn.bonella
Snowing in Bali
SNOWING IN BALI/KATHRYN BONELLA
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...
Operation Playboy
OPERATION PLAYBOY / KATHRYN BONELLA
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...
Hotel Kerobokan
"HOTEL KEROBOKAN" [HOTEL K]
https://www.goodreads.com/search?q=HO...
Schapelle Corby My Story (also titled No More Tomorrows.)
"SCHAPELLE CORBY MY STORY" [NO MORE TOMORROWS]
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 390 reviews
January 17, 2021
http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/lawand...
The Indonesians understand how bad their jails are as the Jakarta Globe (one of the country's biggest selling daily english newspapers) states in an article today:
"But those who spend time in Kerobokan prison on the holiday island of Bali say the jail is still a cesspool of bribery, drugs and clandestine sex, despite a management overhaul aimed at cleaning up its image.
“You can still get anything you want if you have the money,” an Australian prisoner told AFP outside the prison church. “Nothing’s really changed.
...
The new prison chief, I Gusti Ngurah Wiratna, is determined to strip Kerobokan of its reputation, which hit rock bottom in 2009 with the publication of “Hotel Kerobokan” by Australian author Kathryn Bonella.
She described the prison as a “hell-hole” where cash-rich inmates — thanks mostly to money brought in by visitors — enjoy a life of relative luxury beside their poor peers living in squalor.
The book portrayed the prison as Bali’s “drug hub,” describing paid-for sex parties, murders and suicide.
Wiratna’s first step in cleaning up the colossal mess at Kerobokan is the “zero rupiah” program to ensure prisoners cannot pay for special treatment and to curb the bribe culture that feeds hungry prison guards.
“This kind of violence happens because rival groups here form around money and they fight over payments,” Wiratna said, explaining that the bulk of the gang members have been moved to another facility.
“Bribes used to happen in the open. Visitors used to have to pay to come in and prisoners would pay guards to do activities that should be free. That’s all stopped now.”
But a foreign woman recently imprisoned, struggling to adjust to life inside, said she was unable to go to church until she paid the guards for a pass.
“I don’t have anything to do here. I’m trying to get a punching bag brought in just so I can exercise. I’m still waiting to be able to go to church,” she said, tears welling in her eyes.
The Indonesians understand how bad their jails are as the Jakarta Globe (one of the country's biggest selling daily english newspapers) states in an article today:
"But those who spend time in Kerobokan prison on the holiday island of Bali say the jail is still a cesspool of bribery, drugs and clandestine sex, despite a management overhaul aimed at cleaning up its image.
“You can still get anything you want if you have the money,” an Australian prisoner told AFP outside the prison church. “Nothing’s really changed.
...
The new prison chief, I Gusti Ngurah Wiratna, is determined to strip Kerobokan of its reputation, which hit rock bottom in 2009 with the publication of “Hotel Kerobokan” by Australian author Kathryn Bonella.
She described the prison as a “hell-hole” where cash-rich inmates — thanks mostly to money brought in by visitors — enjoy a life of relative luxury beside their poor peers living in squalor.
The book portrayed the prison as Bali’s “drug hub,” describing paid-for sex parties, murders and suicide.
Wiratna’s first step in cleaning up the colossal mess at Kerobokan is the “zero rupiah” program to ensure prisoners cannot pay for special treatment and to curb the bribe culture that feeds hungry prison guards.
“This kind of violence happens because rival groups here form around money and they fight over payments,” Wiratna said, explaining that the bulk of the gang members have been moved to another facility.
“Bribes used to happen in the open. Visitors used to have to pay to come in and prisoners would pay guards to do activities that should be free. That’s all stopped now.”
But a foreign woman recently imprisoned, struggling to adjust to life inside, said she was unable to go to church until she paid the guards for a pass.
“I don’t have anything to do here. I’m trying to get a punching bag brought in just so I can exercise. I’m still waiting to be able to go to church,” she said, tears welling in her eyes.
April 20, 2012
I don't normally share what I've read with others, but this is an exception. One of the more compelling/disturbing reads I've come across in a while; it's an insight into life at the notorious Kerobokan Prison (otherwise dubbed as Hotel K in this book, for its seemingly cheap hotel exterior). It will shock you, and one hell of a mindf***er this really is.
In a way, it's tainted my perception somewhat of picture-perfect Bali. You cannot fathom all the atrocities (rampant sex, gang rape, murder; just to name a few) that go on behind the bars of this prison, juxtaposed with the crashing waves, rustic villas and all the charm that define the island paradise of Bali.
Inmates are very candid in sharing their experiences in Hotel K. You'll read for yourself just how corrupt the prison system is here in Bali, and perhaps in other parts of Indonesia too. A quick wave of the hands with cold, hard cash is enough to buy an inmate time out of the prison; here, inmates doing time for murder are among the most-feared (and perhaps the most-revered, for more often than not they assume the role of Tamping, or prison cell heads). Inmates doing time for petty crimes such as stealing food to feed one's child, are crammed into the same cells as murderers who've thought nothing about slashing the heads off their victims.
This prison does nothing to rehabilitate the inmates; not when the drug trade is such a booming business behind the cells. Hashish, smack and an endless cocktail of drugs that are easily purchased and shared among inmates and the prison guards, and the list goes on and on.
The corruption is indeed an eye-opener that clearly demonstrates the failing of the prison system here. It is the very failing of the system that allows many inmates to perpetrate their crimes, drug lords to continue their businesses, inmates driven by animal instinct for rampant, illicit sex. Psychopaths being incarcerated continue to wage even more terror inside, and sometimes you can't help but wonder whether repentance and redemption are ever possible for these inmates.
Lesson learnt from reading this: Don't try to make a fool out of the law, for the law could then make an even bigger mockery out of you.
In a way, it's tainted my perception somewhat of picture-perfect Bali. You cannot fathom all the atrocities (rampant sex, gang rape, murder; just to name a few) that go on behind the bars of this prison, juxtaposed with the crashing waves, rustic villas and all the charm that define the island paradise of Bali.
Inmates are very candid in sharing their experiences in Hotel K. You'll read for yourself just how corrupt the prison system is here in Bali, and perhaps in other parts of Indonesia too. A quick wave of the hands with cold, hard cash is enough to buy an inmate time out of the prison; here, inmates doing time for murder are among the most-feared (and perhaps the most-revered, for more often than not they assume the role of Tamping, or prison cell heads). Inmates doing time for petty crimes such as stealing food to feed one's child, are crammed into the same cells as murderers who've thought nothing about slashing the heads off their victims.
This prison does nothing to rehabilitate the inmates; not when the drug trade is such a booming business behind the cells. Hashish, smack and an endless cocktail of drugs that are easily purchased and shared among inmates and the prison guards, and the list goes on and on.
The corruption is indeed an eye-opener that clearly demonstrates the failing of the prison system here. It is the very failing of the system that allows many inmates to perpetrate their crimes, drug lords to continue their businesses, inmates driven by animal instinct for rampant, illicit sex. Psychopaths being incarcerated continue to wage even more terror inside, and sometimes you can't help but wonder whether repentance and redemption are ever possible for these inmates.
Lesson learnt from reading this: Don't try to make a fool out of the law, for the law could then make an even bigger mockery out of you.
October 6, 2012
I came on a holiday to bali,and read this book on the first day. I kept readng until I finished - couldnt put it down - Later we drove by Kerobokan prison.
A fantastic book. I like the way it uses quotes from local newspapers to back up the stories. Well written. My girlfirend is now reading it. I highly recommend it. Sure does make you think why anyone would take drugs there.
A fantastic book. I like the way it uses quotes from local newspapers to back up the stories. Well written. My girlfirend is now reading it. I highly recommend it. Sure does make you think why anyone would take drugs there.
October 28, 2012
Supposedly and honest account of what actually goes on behind the walls of the infamous Kerobokan Jail in Bali. I spend a lot of time in Indonesia and based on what I've leaned over the years, I think this book is right on the money! It is however not unlike any other Indonesian jail, tales of corruption, dishonest guards, bribery, drug abuse and prostitution, outings to the beach, clubs and pool halls are apparently all happening as we speak! Money can buy you just about anything in Indonesia if you know the right, or should i say 'wrong' people. A very interesting account of how things work in in the jail system in this part of the world, it will have you scraping your jaw off the ground frequently!
November 27, 2012
I feel like I have been on the inside of Hotel Kerobokan for the 2 weeks I took to read this book. I could feel the Bali humidity, the tension, the anxiety and the total frustration in each of the personal accounts. I could feel and understand the seeking for any relief, or dulling of the senses that could help an inmate through the day ... Kathryn , you have done a Great Job of telling these harrowing stories with all the sordid details . I had only driven past Hotel K. before , but now strangely , I want to visit next time and see inside . I am happy Kathryn has other books for me to read ... Thank you Kathryn
February 2, 2013
Well Im not a great reader. At the age of 27. I have only finished 1 book in the past as i lose interest quick.
Any author has a huge challenge to get me to enjoy their book.
HOTEL K
The most incredible, scary, on edge and interesting book I have ever picked up. Many of my friends think the same thing too.
This book is one you will not be able to put down.
Kathryn is an incredible writer and writing is easy to read and flows so well.
Massive fan. If your thinking about buying this book. Stop now...
Just buy it. You wont look back.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND
Any author has a huge challenge to get me to enjoy their book.
HOTEL K
The most incredible, scary, on edge and interesting book I have ever picked up. Many of my friends think the same thing too.
This book is one you will not be able to put down.
Kathryn is an incredible writer and writing is easy to read and flows so well.
Massive fan. If your thinking about buying this book. Stop now...
Just buy it. You wont look back.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND
February 27, 2013
Would like to recommend to read this book before you go to Bali!!! What is possible to happen whilst you're on the paradise island!
It's sad, violent, harsh, bizarre, super crazy & bizarrely funny.
Once the jail broke, I was living behind the prison, coming back from work, all my friends said to lock myself in as there was a riot & prisoners tried to hide in people's houses.
One particular face of a Frenchman was someone who lived next door from work when the cops busted him & he ran across the roof & we were stunted watching the scene.
It's sad, violent, harsh, bizarre, super crazy & bizarrely funny.
Once the jail broke, I was living behind the prison, coming back from work, all my friends said to lock myself in as there was a riot & prisoners tried to hide in people's houses.
One particular face of a Frenchman was someone who lived next door from work when the cops busted him & he ran across the roof & we were stunted watching the scene.
July 12, 2010
this is a page turner. I couldn't put it down. it gives great insight into what happens in this bali jail and it is truly compelling. sometimes i felt sick, other times angry but it is a book that moved me continually. i recommend it highly.
January 29, 2013
"You cannot describe what feeling you have when you walk into Kerobokan. It's not like a normal place. Walking down into a dirty room, it's not your language, not your people, another planet. All the time you think you're dreaming; it's not really happening; you're not really there. You don't know what to do or think. You go up and down. It's like you've been kidnapped." - Mick, Australian Inmate.
This book is a fascinating but shocking expose of life inside Bali's 'Hotel K'; where rapists, murderers and paedophiles live right alongside petty theives and unlucky tourists. And the guards are sometimes more corrupt than the inmates! I was impressed with Kathryn Bonella having recently read Shapelle's 'My Story' and I will definately be reading 'Snowing in Bali'. Hotel K is well researched and well written. I appreciated the 'where are they now' epilogue at the end. A five star read for fans of 'Banged Up Abroad'.
This book is a fascinating but shocking expose of life inside Bali's 'Hotel K'; where rapists, murderers and paedophiles live right alongside petty theives and unlucky tourists. And the guards are sometimes more corrupt than the inmates! I was impressed with Kathryn Bonella having recently read Shapelle's 'My Story' and I will definately be reading 'Snowing in Bali'. Hotel K is well researched and well written. I appreciated the 'where are they now' epilogue at the end. A five star read for fans of 'Banged Up Abroad'.
March 18, 2011
I read the UK edition called HOTEL K. Tthis book is phenomonal. I sat down to read a chapter last night and could not put it down. Terrifyingly real and graphic - it takes you right into the private crazy hell world of this jail in paradise Bali.It gives a very intimate peek at what life is like for the westerners, from all over the world.A great read. But don't plan anything else the night you pick it up to read!
January 6, 2013
A great and interesting account into the life of Western prisoners in the most corrupt jail on earth. Parts of these prisoners stories seem unbelievable. Much respect for the author for delving into dangerous situations to achieve great journalism. Read if interested in the justice system under a corrupt government.
October 26, 2012
Read this a while ago but have just read Snowing in Bali from the same author. Am going back to read Hotel kerobokan again. I loved it the first time and Bonella's new book has inspired me to read it again. Fascinating stuff.
January 29, 2013
awesome book about life inside one of the worlds hardest prsion's. highly recommened to anyone and everyone.
I don't read much but I couldn't put either of them(hotel kerobokan &snowing in bali) down they a unbelievable insight into the drug underworld and prison life in bali.
I don't read much but I couldn't put either of them(hotel kerobokan &snowing in bali) down they a unbelievable insight into the drug underworld and prison life in bali.
March 18, 2011
LOVED IT. a real page turner. one minute you laugh, the next you throw up, the next you are shivering.
December 2, 2011
One of my best books I've read.
November 19, 2012
A shocking eye opener. not for the faint hearted. but a ripping read.
January 26, 2013
Loved this book, I couldn't put it down. It give a really good insight as to how corrupt the Indonesian government really is. A must read for anyone who wants to travel to these areas!!
March 21, 2013
Great book. Would highly recommend it.
February 10, 2012
As an avid traveller to the blissful island of Bali, reading Hotel Kerobokan was a terrifyingly eye opening yet highly memorable experience. It gave me great insight to the shocking laws and regulations the islanders lived by. From recreational druggies to big time drug smugglers and serial killers to rapists. You would not be able to tell if the infamous Balinese jail was a criminal's idea of heaven or hell. Alike to a Devil's Den, the book is narrated through several telling interviews with all types of convicts. All with their own story of how a dream in paradise plummeted to a nightmare in the dumps. From prostitution to internal drug smuggling to corruption - this book is jam packed of exuberant tales. Ever since I read this book, I have always thought twice whilst passing the Depensar airport immigration.
June 25, 2012
I was shocked but not surprised. That's what really happens in Indonesian prisons. But, hey, corruptions happen everywhere.
I must admit, this is one of the most disturbing and vivid reads besides "Thanks For The Memories". I was disgusted imagining dirty and shitty cells in Hotel K.
One thing for sure: stay away from drugs.
I must admit, this is one of the most disturbing and vivid reads besides "Thanks For The Memories". I was disgusted imagining dirty and shitty cells in Hotel K.
One thing for sure: stay away from drugs.
April 7, 2013
Put on your skid lid and strap yourself in for this read!!! Kerobokan prison, no place for the faint of heart or spirit. From the rife corruption to the readily availabe sex and drugs........This book left me with my mouth agape!! Yet another great read from Kathryn Bonella! Thankyou
October 8, 2013
Ive read so many jail books and this is my favourite of all. it promises to deliver a bizarre and violent world inside this Bali jail and it does not fail. Loved it and have also just finished Bonella's other book snowing in bali. Both are compelling.
April 8, 2018
A great read.
Just amazing how many people risk everything for money.
It’s an eye opener and so well written that it drags you in and keeps you reading until the final page. I didnt want it to finish. Am going to read Snowing in Bali next by the same author. well done.
Just amazing how many people risk everything for money.
It’s an eye opener and so well written that it drags you in and keeps you reading until the final page. I didnt want it to finish. Am going to read Snowing in Bali next by the same author. well done.
June 22, 2011
Gritty, real, well-researched. Loved it.
July 7, 2013
Another great book by Kathryn!!
Hotel K is a first hand insight into one of the worlds most violent and corrupt prisons. The bizzare world within the walls of Hotel K are unimaginable. Corruption is everywhere, and everyone and everything has a price. If money can't solve a problem, violence will, and it usually ends in blood shed or worse.
There are many foreigner prisoners in Kerokoban prison from all parts of the world, many of them drawn to Bali for a slice of the lucrative drug trade and the so called 'easy money'. Average people such as lawyers or school teachers, from all age groups, try their luck at drug running in or out of Bali. Some succeed, but for the ones who get caught, their lives will never be the same. With so many different people from all over the globe locked up in Hotel K, there is always an interesting story to be told.
I found Hotel K to have great depth and detail. The countless hours interviewing prisoners and other key identities really gave me an insiders view of this crazy prison.
A truly fascinating read! Highly recommended.
Hotel K is a first hand insight into one of the worlds most violent and corrupt prisons. The bizzare world within the walls of Hotel K are unimaginable. Corruption is everywhere, and everyone and everything has a price. If money can't solve a problem, violence will, and it usually ends in blood shed or worse.
There are many foreigner prisoners in Kerokoban prison from all parts of the world, many of them drawn to Bali for a slice of the lucrative drug trade and the so called 'easy money'. Average people such as lawyers or school teachers, from all age groups, try their luck at drug running in or out of Bali. Some succeed, but for the ones who get caught, their lives will never be the same. With so many different people from all over the globe locked up in Hotel K, there is always an interesting story to be told.
I found Hotel K to have great depth and detail. The countless hours interviewing prisoners and other key identities really gave me an insiders view of this crazy prison.
A truly fascinating read! Highly recommended.
February 27, 2010
A factual read about the jail In Bali. This book is a real eye opener to the corrupt jail system in Bali where hard criminals seemed to be rewarded for their crimes within the jail getting many luxuries and important duties within the jail. This book shows that money can buy you anything allowing murders out on day trips to the touristy beach in Kuta for a few hundred dollars.
March 18, 2011
This book is phenomonal. I sat down to read a chapter last night and could not put it down. Terrifyingly real and graphic - it takes you right into the private crazy hell world of this jail in paradise Bali.It gives a very intimate peek at what life is like for the westerners, from all over the world.A great read. But don't plan anything else the night you pick it up to read!
September 18, 2013
Really is a great read and I highly recommend it. Am a huge fan of this author after reading both her Bali books now Snowing in Bali and Hotel Kerobokan. Both well written and eye opening.
January 21, 2014
Wow....what an eye opener! Having learned so much about Indonesia itself and the ways in which the people think and operate, I was not expecting such a blatantly open book about such a corrupt and dishonest place as Kerobokan Prison....known to the inmates as Hotel K. Kathryn Bonella has done a remarkable job in collecting such intimate information and putting it into print. I had no idea until I read this book about the injustices and disgusting conditions in this and many other Indonesian prisons. The book is now on loan to a friend, but I will keep it and re-read it in the future because it was a book I just found so difficult to put down.
One expects a prison to be some sort of punishment site where people are in fact kept in confinement to pay penalties for breaking the law. Not so Hotel K. Run by the inmates, with token governor and guards (who incidentally are almost all involved in the drug trafficking or producing business, or taking rake-offs from the inmates), with almost all of the inmates taking drugs of any type, fully under the eyes of the authorities. Most of the guards simply supplement their meagre incomes by assisting in the trafficking, earning much more in the illegal trade in a month, than they would earn in a year in their legal positions.
Practically unknown to the western world until the arrest of their star inmate, Schapelle Corby, Hotel K has been involved in the manufacture of drugs for many years and is touted as being the largest manufacturer of drugs in Bali.
The inmates come and go from the prison to the outside world of daily life, basically as they please, as long as they can bribe a guard, they can get away with it. Some bribe the guards to take them to a 'dentist appointment' when really they go off to the beach for a few hours, or wherever they like. Tourists can be walking along the streets of Kuta and they may have murderers or rapists or drug traffickers walking alongside them, all without knowing.
The conditions in this prison are horrific and the western inmates are popular due to having money to improve their own conditions; such as for $100 to bribe the guards, they can have a mattress brought in from outside to make sleeping more comfortable, instead of sleeping on the stone floor, which is often covered in urine and feaces and rats running over those sleeping on the floors.
There is no proper sanitation, a toilet is a squat toilet....a hole in the floor....which more often than not, overflows and spreads the disgusting contents all over the floors, fouling the blankets, clothes or mattresses of those forced to sleep there.
The corruption in Hotel K is rife and goes right through the entire place. Sex is permitted on a weekly basis where anyone wanting conjugal visits (or even just sex with another inmate or prostitute), is taken to 'The blue Room', and in front of guards and everyone else, perform any type of sexual act they fancy. Often the room is so crowded people are elbow to elbow having sex with someone else, or in front of other visitors children. There is no privacy and the odd guard will join in as well on occasion, as well as being onlookers.
Not all the guards are corrupt, but most of them will take any bribe in order to make more money for themselves and families.
When the police decide to 'raid' the prison for drugs, Hotel K is forewarned so all the drugs and paraphernalia, is hidden or dug hurriedly into the gardens or whatever. Sometimes some get caught but mostly they don't.
I was surprised to read just how widespread the drug situation was in Hotel K as well as Bali, and due to the information in this book, found it very difficult ...on a humanitarian basis....to understand just why the Balinese government (and the Australian Federal Police - who knew all about this before Schapelle Corby went to Bali) are making such a big fuss about Schapelle's drug situation....when there is clearly so much more money (millions) being MADE within the prison walls, and almost everyone in the grossly overcrowded prison, being involved in it. That just didn't make sense to me, although I do understand that both the Indonesian and Australian governments (under pressure from the AFP) are making an example of her.
The book mentioned also many other westerners, including the Bali Nine, who are all in one way or another, inside due to drug crimes of one form or another. I found also that the westerners are often given very harsh sentences for minor offences whereas more often than not, the locals are given much less sentence time for far more serious crimes. Without the western prisoners, there is not as much money to be made by the guards so I assume that is why they are given harsher sentences....so they can be kept there longer and the local guards and authorities can extort more money to line their own pockets, at least, that is how it seems.
Some make serial habits of returning there.
The laws are very strict but the punishments are far too stringent for the loose rules within the walls of the Indonesian prisons. This is a book primarily about Kerobokan Prison but also touches on the atrocious conditions and corruption apparent in other Indonesian jails.
This book is a MUST READ for anyone even thinking of going to Bali, even for a holiday.
One expects a prison to be some sort of punishment site where people are in fact kept in confinement to pay penalties for breaking the law. Not so Hotel K. Run by the inmates, with token governor and guards (who incidentally are almost all involved in the drug trafficking or producing business, or taking rake-offs from the inmates), with almost all of the inmates taking drugs of any type, fully under the eyes of the authorities. Most of the guards simply supplement their meagre incomes by assisting in the trafficking, earning much more in the illegal trade in a month, than they would earn in a year in their legal positions.
Practically unknown to the western world until the arrest of their star inmate, Schapelle Corby, Hotel K has been involved in the manufacture of drugs for many years and is touted as being the largest manufacturer of drugs in Bali.
The inmates come and go from the prison to the outside world of daily life, basically as they please, as long as they can bribe a guard, they can get away with it. Some bribe the guards to take them to a 'dentist appointment' when really they go off to the beach for a few hours, or wherever they like. Tourists can be walking along the streets of Kuta and they may have murderers or rapists or drug traffickers walking alongside them, all without knowing.
The conditions in this prison are horrific and the western inmates are popular due to having money to improve their own conditions; such as for $100 to bribe the guards, they can have a mattress brought in from outside to make sleeping more comfortable, instead of sleeping on the stone floor, which is often covered in urine and feaces and rats running over those sleeping on the floors.
There is no proper sanitation, a toilet is a squat toilet....a hole in the floor....which more often than not, overflows and spreads the disgusting contents all over the floors, fouling the blankets, clothes or mattresses of those forced to sleep there.
The corruption in Hotel K is rife and goes right through the entire place. Sex is permitted on a weekly basis where anyone wanting conjugal visits (or even just sex with another inmate or prostitute), is taken to 'The blue Room', and in front of guards and everyone else, perform any type of sexual act they fancy. Often the room is so crowded people are elbow to elbow having sex with someone else, or in front of other visitors children. There is no privacy and the odd guard will join in as well on occasion, as well as being onlookers.
Not all the guards are corrupt, but most of them will take any bribe in order to make more money for themselves and families.
When the police decide to 'raid' the prison for drugs, Hotel K is forewarned so all the drugs and paraphernalia, is hidden or dug hurriedly into the gardens or whatever. Sometimes some get caught but mostly they don't.
I was surprised to read just how widespread the drug situation was in Hotel K as well as Bali, and due to the information in this book, found it very difficult ...on a humanitarian basis....to understand just why the Balinese government (and the Australian Federal Police - who knew all about this before Schapelle Corby went to Bali) are making such a big fuss about Schapelle's drug situation....when there is clearly so much more money (millions) being MADE within the prison walls, and almost everyone in the grossly overcrowded prison, being involved in it. That just didn't make sense to me, although I do understand that both the Indonesian and Australian governments (under pressure from the AFP) are making an example of her.
The book mentioned also many other westerners, including the Bali Nine, who are all in one way or another, inside due to drug crimes of one form or another. I found also that the westerners are often given very harsh sentences for minor offences whereas more often than not, the locals are given much less sentence time for far more serious crimes. Without the western prisoners, there is not as much money to be made by the guards so I assume that is why they are given harsher sentences....so they can be kept there longer and the local guards and authorities can extort more money to line their own pockets, at least, that is how it seems.
Some make serial habits of returning there.
The laws are very strict but the punishments are far too stringent for the loose rules within the walls of the Indonesian prisons. This is a book primarily about Kerobokan Prison but also touches on the atrocious conditions and corruption apparent in other Indonesian jails.
This book is a MUST READ for anyone even thinking of going to Bali, even for a holiday.
January 9, 2011
Incredible. Loved this book for the wild stories and would recommend it to everyone - unless you are squemish. The stories really take you in and are very personalised, you get a real feeling of what it would be like to live in that prison. Really, really gripping.
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