Digital Ramadan: Video Calls Bridge the Gap in NTB Prisons

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA — Behind the high walls and sturdy iron gates, life in correctional institutions continues. It is never truly silent. The sound of disciplined guards’ footsteps, inmates preparing for daily activities, softly spoken prayers, or quiet conversations filling the corridors, all create a symphony of life that never stops.

Prisons are not just places of punishment. They are spaces for reflection, where the state tests the meaning of rehabilitation: whether it truly provides a path back for those who have strayed, or is merely a waiting room before they return to society without significant change?

Prisons are often viewed with a single, critical eye, perceived as overcrowded, prone to violations, and far from humane. However, behind this stigma, amidst classic challenges such as overcrowding and limited facilities, efforts to improve conditions continue. Nusa Tenggara Barat (NTB) is a prime example, especially in recent years.

Ramadan 2026: A Moment for Change

During Ramadan 2026, the Directorate General of Corrections in NTB introduced a new initiative: video call services for inmates in all prisons and detention centres. This innovation is an extension of the Special Prison Telecommunications Centre (Wartelsuspas), which previously only provided voice calls.

This policy did not emerge overnight. It is rooted in Law Number 22 of 2022 on Corrections, which guarantees the right of inmates to communicate with their families and legal counsel.

At Class IIA Lombok Barat Prison, inmates use this facility on a rotating basis. During the holy month, the intensity of use increases. Communication time is fairly allocated, ensuring that each inmate has the opportunity to see the faces of their loved ones.

At Class IIB Dompu Prison, the service is optimised every Monday to Friday in two sessions. Strict registration and professional supervision are carried out, and every activity is recorded to maintain transparency. This is not just about technology, but about the realisation of human rights.

Emotional Support: More Than Just a Voice

Seeing the face of a child or parent directly, especially during Ramadan, when longing intensifies, has an irreplaceable psychological effect. Criminological studies prove that maintaining connections with family is a key factor in reducing the risk of recidivism. Emotional support maintains mental stability, reduces conflict, and motivates change.