REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- The prison sentences of as many as 224 Buddhist convicts were reduced on Tuesday on the occasion of Waisak Day.

"On account of Waisak Day on June 2, the government, through the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights, gave special remission to 224 Buddhist prisoners," the head of the sub-directorate of communication of the Directorate General of Penitentiary of the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights, Akbar Hadi, said in a text message.

While 25 of them received a 25-day cut, 189 received a reduction of a month, six of 15 days, and four of two months, he added.

"This year, no one received Special Remission 2, based on which they are released," Hadi pointed out.

Inmates from Jakarta comprised the largest section to receive remission, totaling 163. While 18 others were from South Sumatra, 14 were from Central Java.

The remission was given in accordance with Law Number 12 of 1995 on penitentiary, State Gazette Number 3614, and Government Regulation Number 32 of 1999 on terms and methods of implementation of prisoners' rights.

The remission, which includes cuts of 15 days, one month, a month and 15 days, and two months, was given based on time already served.

Till May 28, the total number of prisoners and detainees in Indonesia was recorded at 171,577, of which 116,820 were prisoners and 54,757 detainees.

Moreover, the government also grants remission to prisoners who follow other religions on the occasion of their holy days, such as Eid al Fitr or Christmas.