Inmates at Warungkiara Prison Find Solace in Farming While Serving Sentences

A number of inmates at Warungkiara Penitentiary in Sukabumi, West Java, are being empowered to manage plantations and livestock. They say they are happy because they do not feel bored while serving their sentences.

Alan Abdullah, an inmate convicted of theft, for example, was assigned to be an electrical technician and help manage the farm. For him, serving his sentence at Warungkiara Penitentiary while working is a memorable moment.

“Yes, it is an unforgettable moment. It is very exciting. We are serving our time or making amends for the mistakes we have made, but we can also find freedom and happiness, like that. Other inmates or perhaps other prisons may not necessarily be able to experience what I am experiencing,” Alan said when met at Warungkiara Penitentiary, Sukabumi, on Tuesday (9/6/2026).

Alan recounted that he obtained the job because he passed a good behaviour assessment while in prison. He also attended work guidance to acquire skills.

“Firstly, we probably have to be able to have good behaviour. Not make the slightest mistake while we are inside. And secondly, we must be able to follow the programme,” he explained.

Alan said he also receives wages from his work in the prison. He said the money is used to buy food and is sent to his wife.

“For the income or what is given by the officers here, and especially from the Head of the Penitentiary, the money can be used to buy cigarettes, buy good food, Sir. And the rest we save so we can also give some to our home. For our children and wife,” he said.

Alan said that after his release, he wants to work for the Head of Warungkiara Penitentiary. He wants to help manage the plantation there.

“If possible after I am released, Sir, more or less here, because there is a little opportunity too, Sir, to be able to follow the Head of the Penitentiary here to manage the plantations here. So perhaps rather than us later outside finding it difficult to get a job and falling back into the wrong path, it is better for us to follow the Head of the Penitentiary here,” he said.