Karawang Prison Rehabilitation: Transforming Vacant Land into a Food Security Zone

A visit can sometimes become a space for reflection that changes one’s perspective on life. That was the feeling experienced by presenter Irfan Hakim when he visited LASKAR Farm (Sarana Asimilasi dan Edukasi/SAE) at the Class IIA Prison in Karawang. Arriving with an interest in animal husbandry, Irfan left with lessons about gratitude, hope, and second chances. The prison utilises seven hectares of land, with three hectares developed into a productive area containing livestock, agriculture, plantations, and fisheries. As a livestock enthusiast, Irfan’s attention was initially drawn to the animal pens. He observed the cultivation of KUB chickens, dorper and texel sheep farming, cattle fattening, and an egg-hatching process managed by the inmates. However, the further he walked, the broader his perspective became. He saw that what was being built at Karawang Prison was not just a farm, but a process of rebuilding people. Irfan witnessed inmates not only working in animal husbandry but also participating in various rehabilitation activities, including scouting, sports, skills training, barista training, arts, and religious guidance. Their routines are structured with productive activities from before dawn until the afternoon. During his visit, Irfan also highlighted various programmes run by the Ministry of Immigration and Corrections. Seeing the rice fields, plantations, and livestock managed by the inmates, he assessed the initiative as a concrete implementation of Minister Agus Andrianto’s 15 Action Programmes in support of President Prabowo Subianto’s Asta Cita vision, particularly in the field of food security. ‘Every inch of land is being utilised. This is extraordinary. I saw for myself how vacant land has been turned into productive rice fields, gardens, and farms. This is not just rehabilitation, but a real contribution to food security,’ Irfan said via his YouTube channel. He also appreciated Minister Agus’ leadership in encouraging all correctional staff to implement impactful programmes. ‘What I saw today was not just a slogan. The programme is truly running. The Minister’s directives have been translated into real work on the ground. I really appreciate the spirit of all the officers who have created productive rehabilitation while supporting government programmes,’ he added. The visit continued to other rehabilitation facilities such as the special telecommunications kiosk, places of worship for all faiths, a laundry room, sports areas, rice fields, gardens, and livestock pens, all of which are part of the inmates’ character-building process. During the visit, Irfan repeatedly expressed his gratitude and urged the public not to feel superior just because they are outside the prison walls. ‘Do not feel clean. We may also have many mistakes that Allah has concealed. They are in the process of improving themselves,’ he said emotionally. He added that the freedom people possess is a blessing that is often forgotten, and he reminded everyone to use that opportunity to do beneficial things. Head of the Class IIA Karawang Prison, Ma’ruf Prasetyo, affirmed that all rehabilitation programmes are in line with the Minister’s directives. ‘LASKAR Farm does not only produce livestock and agricultural products. The most important thing is that it builds character, responsibility, and discipline, while supporting national food security as part of the government’s Asta Cita,’ Ma’ruf stated. Irfan admitted he took away an unforgettable spiritual experience. For him, guidance can come from anywhere, including from behind prison walls.