Agus Andrianto: Bapas as the Heart of Prisoner Reintegration, Not Merely an Administrative Executor

Bapas as the heart of reintegration, the Balai Pemasyarakatan is not merely an administrative executor, but a bridge that helps the state understand humans holistically through social research,” said Minister Agus at the National Seminar on Pemasyarakatan in Jakarta on Wednesday (6/5/2026).

He stated that the role of Bapas, as regulated in the latest KUHAP, has undergone a fundamental shift. In this regard, Minister Agus added, Bapas is involved from upstream to downstream in the judicial process.

“This fundamental shift demands comprehensive transformation. Our role is no longer centred solely on the post-adjudication stage. Through this law, social welfare officers, particularly community guidance officers, are given the mandate and trust to be actively involved from the beginning of the judicial process,” he explained.

Therefore, Minister Agus encouraged Bapas officers to work even better. This means conducting professional and objective assessments, especially in researching behavioural changes of prisoners who are about to end their sentences or social welfare clients.

“We must conduct objective and professional assessments, particularly in evaluating behavioural changes as a condition for sentence modification,” said Minister Agus.

Furthermore, regarding the increasing role of Bapas in the judicial process, Minister Agus mentioned the importance of enhancing inter-agency synergy, including with the Indonesian National Police (Polri) and the Prosecutor’s Office. The aim is to create alignment in upholding the ultimum remedium principle.

“Inter-agency synergy, police apparatus, prosecutors, judges, and social welfare officers must be on the same frequency in line with the ultimum remedium principle, recovery not just punishment,” said Minister Agus.