Ditjenpas Holds Ramadan Bazaar, Products Made by Inmates Sell Out Rapidly

The Directorate General of Corrections (Ditjenpas) held a Ramadan Affordable Market Bazaar at the headquarters of Ditjenpas in Jakarta on Thursday, 12 March. The event was organised as part of the commemoration of the 62nd Corrections Day Anniversary and to enliven the celebration of Ramadan 1447 Hijriah.

At the bazaar, various products made through the rehabilitation and development programmes of incarcerated persons became the main attraction. Handcrafted goods and processed food items were reported to have sold out completely as visitors purchased them in large quantities.

Director General of Corrections Mashudi stated that the event represented a strategic opportunity to introduce the potential of inmate-made products to the general public. He emphasised that rehabilitation programmes within correctional facilities were capable of producing items with high economic value.

“This bazaar is an opportunity to introduce the work of incarcerated persons which is competitive. We want to demonstrate that through rehabilitation processes, they are able to produce quality products with commercial value,” said Mashudi during his inspection of the stalls.

Beyond the promotional aspect, Mashudi hoped the event would help the public obtain basic necessities at affordable prices during the holy month, whilst also stimulating the economic activity of the micro, small, and medium enterprises sector.

In alignment with the Ditjenpas director, the head of the organising committee, Adhayani Lubis, explained that beyond enhancing the Ramadan atmosphere in the work environment, the event also aimed to strengthen the marketing ecosystem for products made by incarcerated persons.

“We want to create a more vibrant Ramadan atmosphere, whilst serving as a platform for the creative works of incarcerated persons to become better known to the public,” said Adhayani.

One of the most sought-after products was beef sold at IDR 100,000 per kilogramme, significantly cheaper than market prices. The bazaar also partnered with various external parties to expand the range of commodities offered, with the Ditjenpas hoping that the 62nd Corrections Day commemoration would not only serve as an internal ceremony but would also provide tangible benefits to the public in meeting their daily needs during Ramadan.