Japanese Hogoshi Delegation Visits West Jakarta Bapas, Learns About Ex-Inmate Rehabilitation Programmes

JAKARTA – A delegation from Hogoshi Japan, a Japanese volunteer organisation for community guidance, conducted a study visit to the West Jakarta Community Guidance and Counselling Agency (Bapas) on Friday (17/4/2026). This visit served as a platform for exchanging experiences regarding guidance and social reintegration programmes for penal clients to facilitate their re-acceptance into society. Head of Bapas West Jakarta, Sri Susilarti, stated that the delegation wished to observe directly the rehabilitation processes for former inmates, including training and post-sentence support programmes. Executive Director of the Japanese Hogoshi Federation, Shoji Imafuku, noted similarities in vision between programmes run in Japan and those at Bapas West Jakarta. He assessed that skill-building and tangible support for penal clients are crucial factors in the social reintegration process. “We see how clients here are taught various hands-on skills. They are also given real assistance or grants to help them become independent after completing their legal processes,” said Shoji. “This is not just about technical aspects, but we see it greatly enhances their self-esteem to return to society,” he added. Sri added that her side also learned how Japan addresses budget limitations in client rehabilitation, particularly through strengthening the role of community volunteers. “If they have budgets, we don’t. Sometimes our budgets are small, so we must collaborate with stakeholders, local government, and the community,” explained Sri. “Their strength is that capable people there gather to guide clients. In Indonesia, this is not yet the case; only institutions exist. But hopefully, when I retire, I will become a volunteer,” Sri concluded.