Indonesia Affirms Commitment to Transforming Correctional System
Indonesia has affirmed its commitment to promoting the transformation of the correctional system towards a more humane and sustainable restorative justice approach.
“The correctional system is no longer solely about imprisonment, but also about rehabilitation,” said Minister of Immigration and Corrections (Imipas) Agus Andrianto, quoted in his statement at the opening of the 7th World Congress on Probation and Parole (WCPP) in Bali on Tuesday.
According to Agus, this World Correctional Congress serves as a moment for Indonesia to reaffirm that commitment.
That commitment is also reflected in the theme of the 7th WCPP, attended by 400 delegates from 44 countries: “Getting Smart on Justice: Healing Hearts and Safer Societies.”
According to the three-star police general, the theme reflects the current dynamics of the correctional system, which is moving towards a smarter, data-based approach.
“Rehabilitation is not only for the offenders, but also for victims and society, so that it can restore social relationships that have been broken,” he said.
Agus also highlighted the strategic role of the Correctional Agency through guidance and supervision to break the chain of recidivism and create harmony between citizens and law enforcers.
He also emphasised that the WCPP is a strategic forum that brings together correctional stakeholders from various countries to exchange experiences, formulate ideal guidance models, and produce recommendations as references for best practices at the global level.
He hopes that the forum can provide real contributions to strengthening the correctional system, particularly in the development of alternative sentencing and parole.
According to him, the trust in Indonesia as the host is an honour as well as a great responsibility.
“The choice of Bali is inseparable from its cultural values that represent the face of Indonesia, namely local wisdom that goes hand in hand with the progress of the times,” said Agus.
Inmates
On that occasion, Agus also appreciated the support of the Bali Regional Government and the involvement of correctional inmates in supporting the event, including through products exhibited to international delegates.
“This involvement is expected to become motivation for inmates to remain productive while opening up wider marketing opportunities,” he said.
The congress will take place over four days from 14 to 17 April 2026. During the event, participants will follow various agendas, from plenary sessions and thematic discussions to the exchange of best practices.
In addition, this forum is expected to strengthen international collaboration while encouraging the realisation of a more inclusive, adaptive justice system oriented towards rehabilitation in various countries.