Namlea Prison in Maluku conducts tilapia farming programme for inmates

Fisheries is one of the aspects we must implement in carrying out the 15 Action Programmes of the Ministry of Immigration and Corrections. Namlea Class III Prison in Buru Regency, Maluku, continues to strengthen its self-sufficiency programme for inmates through tilapia farming, a flagship initiative to enhance skills and productivity. Head of Namlea Prison, Muhammad M. Marasabessy, stated that the programme is designed to equip inmates with skills they can use after completing their sentences. Besides agriculture, we consistently develop tilapia farming as a flagship rehabilitation programme at Namlea Prison, he said. He noted that public enthusiasm for the farmed products indicates the programme is running well and producing goods with economic value. The prison currently farms around 4,000 tilapia across six biofloc system ponds of various sizes, comprising 1,000 super tilapia, 3,000 adult tilapia, and approximately 500 fingerlings. The biofloc system utilises microorganisms to convert organic waste in the pond into flocs that serve as natural fish feed. The ponds are equipped with aeration to maintain oxygen levels, while water quality is controlled by adding probiotics and carbon sources to support microorganism growth. This method increases stocking density, conserves water and feed, and maintains environmental quality. Marasabessy expressed hope that the tilapia farming development can be further enhanced, not only to support food security within the prison but also to provide inmates with entrepreneurial skills as capital for their return to the community. Meanwhile, a junior agricultural extension officer from the Buru Regency Agriculture Office, Alijah, commended the inmates’ management of the tilapia farming, noting that the quality and size of the fish demonstrate the programme’s optimal implementation. The farming is quite promising and the fish are large. This proves that inmates can develop skills in various fields, including fisheries, she said.