Jawara Beton at Tangerang Prison: Between Rehabilitation and Hope

We hope this education on turning waste into economic products serves as a catalyst for them to be more attuned to leveraging potential in their surroundings.

Serbau Bin Herman (39), known as Abu, has one year left before his release from Tangerang Class I Prison in Banten. The convicted serious assault offender is typically reserved when discussing the details of the crime that led to his 12-year sentence.

However, Abu is open about his rehabilitation experiences behind bars. He now serves as a foreman in the ‘Jawara Beton’ programme, specialising in iron assembly with 10 other inmates, due to his prior construction expertise.

For six months, Abu has spent his days assembling iron products for Jawara Beton, producing up to 100 units daily from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM WIB with a midday break.

Previously, Abu participated in agricultural training, but the part-time schedule left him unchallenged. Switching to construction work has made his days busier and more purposeful.

Beyond skill development, Abu receives a monthly premium of Rp800,000, saving a portion that has accumulated to around Rp2 million over six months. He plans to use these savings as startup capital upon release.

Despite preparing reintegration plans, Abu hopes to continue collaboration as a post-release community partner.

‘Jawara Beton is a good programme. Inmates have activities in prison, so they don’t get bored,’ Abu said during an interview at Tangerang Class I Prison on Tuesday, 26 May.