The color orange has come to represent more than just a
bright hue; it has become a symbol of criminal justice in many parts of the
world, especially in Indonesia. In a significant moment during the early days
of 2024, Jamal Ramadhan, a news photographer, captured an image that would stir
public consciousness. It featured Syahrul Yasin Limpo (SYL), the former
Minister of Agriculture in Indonesia, being escorted by officials of the
Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), wearing an orange vest with the words “Tahanan
KPK” (KPK Detainee) emblazoned on it.
The photograph, which went viral, became a powerful visual
representation of corruption and the fight against it. SYL’s sharp gaze,
surrounded by police officers, KPK staff, and journalists, conveyed a strong
message to the public. The orange vest, a symbol used to identify detainees,
contrasted with the rest of the surroundings, making the image powerful and
unforgettable. The color orange, which has become synonymous with criminal
detention in various countries, carries with it layers of meaning.
Before the widespread use of orange uniforms, prisons
primarily used neutral colors like white or gray. These colors were chosen for
their simplicity and uniformity. The striped black-and-white prison uniforms we
know today have a long history, dating back to the 1820s when the Auburn Prison
system in New York introduced them. The stripes symbolized the iron bars of the
prison and the silhouette of the sun shining through a cell window, signaling
the prisoners’ criminal status. This uniform helped identify escapees in the
event of a breakout, marking them immediately as criminals.
The striped uniforms were more than just a method of
identification; they also served as a form of control. In the Auburn system,
prisoners were required to walk in lockstep and maintain silence, using their
uniforms as a means to enforce discipline. Over time, however, the
psychological and social impact of these uniforms began to shift. They were
increasingly seen as symbols of degradation and human rights abuses,
particularly when associated with forced labor or chain gangs.
By the early 20th century, many prisons moved away from the
striped uniform to solid colors, which were thought to be more aligned with the
goals of rehabilitation. Prisoners in California, for instance, wore denim
jeans and chambray shirts. This shift was seen as a more humane approach, and
different colors were introduced to represent different levels of crime and
punishment. In some states, like North Carolina, prisoners wore different
colors based on the severity of their crimes, from gray for high-level
offenders to green for those convicted of minor offenses.
In some instances, prisons used unconventional colors, like
pink, to deter escape attempts. In Cleveland County, the use of pink uniforms
was meant to make prisoners feel vulnerable and deter any thoughts of escape.
These decisions on prison attire were often rooted in practicality and
security, focusing on reducing risks and making prisoners easily identifiable.
It wasn’t until the 1970s that the color orange gained
widespread popularity in American prisons. Its introduction in prisons marked a
major shift towards standardization and practicality. Orange uniforms were
easier to see, even from a distance, which made them ideal for monitoring
prisoners in and out of secure areas. The bright color not only served security
purposes but also helped reduce the stigma associated with prison attire.
The introduction of the orange vest in Indonesian prisons
can be traced back to 2013, when the KPK used it for corruption suspects. The
bright orange vest was a deliberate choice designed to make a powerful
statement: those wearing it were guilty of corruption. This new approach was
meant to create a deterrent effect, as it was thought that the visibility of
these individuals would help shame them publicly.
The KPK’s decision to use orange vests for corruption
detainees was significant. It not only identified the detainees as corrupt
individuals but also aligned them with the broader public effort to combat
corruption. The vest became a symbol of the fight against this societal ill,
which has long plagued Indonesia and many other countries.
The color orange, which dominates the KPK’s uniforms, has a
strong psychological effect. It stands out, creating a clear contrast with the
environment around it. This visibility is both a tool for prison security and a
public statement about the severity of the crime. The impact of this color is
not only practical but emotional, as it evokes feelings of discomfort and
urgency. It draws attention to those wearing it, making them stand out in a way
that serves to reinforce their status as criminals.
This is why the KPK chose the orange vest to symbolize those
accused of corruption: to make them visible, to make their crime undeniable.
The simple use of color in this context reinforces the idea that the fight
against corruption is not just a matter of legal proceedings; it is also about
social consciousness and public responsibility.
Orange is not only used in Indonesia to signify criminality
but also in many countries around the world. Following the events of September
11, 2001, the color became even more symbolic, particularly in high-security
detention facilities like Guantanamo Bay. As described by Elspeth Van Veeren in
her thesis, “Orange Prison Jumpsuit,” the orange uniform became a marker of
extreme security and the government’s authority over detainees.
The color’s use spread beyond the prison system and entered
popular culture, largely through the success of shows like “Orange is the New
Black.” This Netflix series, which ran from 2013 to 2019, brought the orange
prison jumpsuit into the public consciousness, turning it into a symbol of not
only criminality but also social issues like inequality, injustice, and human
rights.
The visual power of the orange vest, combined with media
depictions of detainees, has a profound effect on public perception. Those
wearing orange are often seen through a lens of suspicion and hostility. The
use of orange can reinforce the negative stereotypes about prisoners, making
them seem more dangerous or less worthy of rehabilitation. At the same time, it
serves as a reminder of the societal need to confront corruption and criminal
activity.
In Indonesia, the KPK’s use of the orange vest continues to
send a clear message about the government’s stance on corruption. It helps
shape the public’s understanding of the issue, not just as a legal challenge,
but as a moral one. By putting suspects on display in this manner, the KPK
hopes to make the fight against corruption more visible and more pressing for
the public.
The orange vest, originally introduced as a practical
security measure, has become a potent symbol of criminality, punishment, and
reform. It represents a broader cultural shift in how societies perceive crime
and punishment. From its roots in prison systems to its use by the KPK in
Indonesia, the orange vest has come to stand for much more than just
identification. It is now a marker of shame, a tool for deterrence, and a
public symbol of the fight against corruption. As we continue to grapple with
issues of justice, security, and reform, the color orange will undoubtedly
remain a powerful, ever-present reminder of the need for change.
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