27 April Marks the 62nd Anniversary of Correctional Service Day: Theme and History
27 April 2026 marks the 62nd anniversary of Hari Bhakti Pemasyarakatan. This commemoration serves as an important moment to affirm the role of the correctional system in the guidance and development of inmates.
Each year, Hari Bhakti Pemasyarakatan adopts a specific theme that reflects the direction of policies and the commitment to reform in the correctional field. So, what is the theme for this year’s commemoration, and what is its history?
Theme of the 62nd Hari Bhakti Pemasyarakatan
According to official information from the Directorate General of Corrections (Ditjenpas), the 62nd Hari Bhakti Pemasyarakatan in 2026 adopts the theme “Pemasyarakatan Kerja Nyata Pelayanan Prima.” This theme reflects achievements in performance while strengthening the commitment to integrity and professionalism among correctional personnel, from the central level to regional and technical implementation units across Indonesia.
As part of the commemoration, Ditjenpas has prepared various activities that mark the journey of correctional service in guiding and mentoring inmates. Director General of Corrections Mashudi stated that social services will be held, including free medical treatment for around 5,000 members of the public, distribution of social assistance, and a national exhibition of UMKM products created by inmates. Additionally, economic empowerment programmes for inmates’ families are a focus, including the distribution of a portion of inmates’ earnings to support family businesses.
History of Hari Bhakti Pemasyarakatan
According to explanations on the official Ditjenpas website, Hari Bhakti Pemasyarakatan originates from the transformation of the prison system into a correctional system, proposed on 27 April 1964. This idea stems from the humanitarian values upheld by Indonesia based on Pancasila, as an effort to abandon the colonial legacy of a penal system focused on retribution.
The concept of corrections was first introduced by Sahardjo in his speech “Pohon Beringin Pengayoman” on 5 July 1963. In this concept, the purpose of criminal law is directed towards protection, both for the general public and individuals who have committed violations, by providing guidance so they can return as useful members of society.
The correctional system was solidified on 27 April 1964 at the Prison Service Conference in Lembang, Bandung. Over time, this system has been strengthened through Law No. 12 of 1995 and updated with Law No. 22 of 2022. These regulations expand the role of corrections in providing treatment from the judicial process to guidance, with the ultimate goal of social reintegration and preventing recidivism.
This 62nd Hari Bhakti Pemasyarakatan commemoration serves as a momentum to strengthen commitment in delivering a more humane correctional system oriented towards guidance and the reintegration of inmates into society.