NTT Corrections Office promotes child reintegration through sentence remission

National Children’s Day serves as a reminder that every child has the right to an opportunity to change.

Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara (ANTARA) - The Regional Office of the Directorate General of Corrections in East Nusa Tenggara is promoting the social reintegration of children in its care by granting sentence reductions to 23 juveniles who have shown behavioural improvement and actively taken part in rehabilitation programmes.

Decky Nurmansyah, Head of the Regional Office of the Directorate General of Corrections in East Nusa Tenggara, said in Kupang on Thursday that the sentence reductions are a form of state appreciation for the children’s efforts to reform themselves, while also encouraging them to return to society as more mature, responsible and useful individuals.

“National Children’s Day serves as a reminder that every child has the right to an opportunity to change. A sentence reduction is not merely a shortening of time served, but a form of state appreciation for one’s efforts at self-improvement,” he said.

Fifteen children received a one-month reduction, five children a two-month reduction, and three children a three-month reduction.

None of the children received a second sentence reduction or immediate release in this round.

According to him, the reductions were granted to children who had fulfilled the administrative and substantive requirements under prevailing legislation, including good conduct and active participation in rehabilitation programmes.

He said the success of the juvenile rehabilitation programme at the Kupang Special Development Centre for Children (LPKA) is the result of synergy among all officers in creating a safe, educational and recovery-oriented environment.

“Continue to take part in the rehabilitation programme earnestly, because every good deed will never be in vain. In time, return to society as individuals who are more mature, responsible and beneficial to your family, the nation and the state,” Decky said in his message.

The series of events also included a foot-washing ceremony performed by the children for their parents as a symbol of respect, remorse for past mistakes, and determination to reform and return to the community.