Assimilation program for prisoners

Assimilation program for prisoners

BENGKULU: Beginning next year, the Bengkulu penitentiary, in central Sumatra will involve selected prisoners in agricultural activities with local residents as part of its assimilation program.

Firma Uli Silalahi, head of the Bengkulu prison, said on Sunday that such a problem would be more effective in guiding prisoners rather than educating them inside the jail.

The assimilation scheme had been designed several years ago, but was then delayed as residents opposed it for unclear reasons.

"I tried to spearhead such a program, but it immediately received criticism from locals after it started. This time, the pattern of the assimilation will be carried out through a farming program."

He said those eligible to take part in the program were prisoners with good records of conduct and those who have served at least half of their jail terms. --Antara