Dozens of inmates at Karang Intan Prison undertake entrepreneurship studies

Banjar, South Kalimantan (ANTARA) – A total of 29 inmates at the Karang Intan Narcotics Correctional Facility, Class IIA, in Banjar Regency, South Kalimantan, are undertaking a Bachelor of Entrepreneurship programme as preparation for building their futures after serving their sentences. The higher education programme is implemented through a collaboration between the Karang Intan Narcotics Correctional Facility and Universitas PGRI Kalimantan, which provides access to degree studies for inmates inside the correctional centre. Head of Karang Intan Class IIA Narcotics Facility, Yugo Indra Wicaksi, in Karang Intan, Banjar Regency, on Thursday said the programme is the only undergraduate degree programme operating within a correctional facility in Kalimantan. “A total of 29 inmates are registered for this programme and have formally become students of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Entrepreneurship Study Programme at Universitas PGRI Kalimantan,” he said. He said the Entrepreneurship study programme was chosen because it is deemed relevant to equipping inmates with the skills to build businesses independently after returning to society. In addition to the degree programme, the prison authorities also offer equivalency education Packages A, B and C to provide learning opportunities for inmates who have not completed basic and secondary education. Meanwhile, Banjar Deputy Regent Habib Idrus Al Habsyi applauded the higher education for inmates as it opens space for inclusive human resource development. “This synergy shows that human resource development in Banjar Regency is conducted inclusively, accommodating all parties regardless of background,” Habib Idrus said. He regarded higher education inside the prison as a strategic step to prepare inmates for a better future. “The alumni jacket worn is a symbol of new responsibility. Study diligently and prove to the community that when you are released you will not only carry a release certificate but also the knowledge to build the region,” he said.