Pangkalpinang Prison Inmates Transform Coal Ash into Compost Fertiliser
Pangkalpinang, VIVA – From behind the high walls of Pangkalpinang Class IIA Prison, an environmental innovation has emerged. Inmates have been transforming coal combustion residue from PLTU 3 Bangka power plant into compost fertiliser.
In the hands of the inmates, the coal ash is carefully processed. The result is a soil nutrient rich in macro-elements, ready to enrich agricultural land across the Laskar Pelangi region.
Head of Pangkalpinang Prison, Sugeng Indrawan, expressed pride in the inmates' achievements. For Sugeng, this is the fruit of perseverance since the training programme began in 2025.
"We are working to make use of available resources within the prison with the support of various parties," said the prison chief on Wednesday, 18 February 2026.
Beyond this, the commitment has also been demonstrated through the delivery of six tonnes of compost to farming groups in Central Bangka. Sugeng emphasised that the programme serves as proof that empowering inmates can deliver real benefits.
"We hope for the support of all parties so that rehabilitation programmes in prisons can be sustained, promoting self-reliance and preventing recidivism among inmates," he added.
He explained that the programme is the result of collaboration between Pangkalpinang Prison, the Green Soil Central Bangka SME, and PT PLN Nusantara Power Services PLTU 3 Bangka Unit.
Appreciation came from the Acting Head of the Bangka Belitung Islands Regional Office of the Directorate General of Corrections, Gunawan Sutrisnadi. He noted that the innovation by Pangkalpinang Prison is aligned with the 15 acceleration programmes of the Minister of Immigration and Corrections.
According to him, the delivery of compost to farming groups is evidence that the corrections system delivers a positive impact on society. "This inaugural delivery of six tonnes of compost produced by Pangkalpinang Prison inmates is a source of pride for the Bangka Belitung Corrections service, and it is hoped this will continue to grow and inspire innovation in other prisons," said Gunawan.
His office is optimistic that the productive rehabilitation programme can be sustained and deliver tangible benefits for the community. He expressed hope that future synergies will be strengthened through increased production capacity, expanded marketing, and the development of ongoing training.
Meanwhile, PLTU 3 Bangka Unit Manager, I Gusti Ngurah Putra Astawa, explained that coal combustion residue, known as fly ash and bottom ash, can be effectively utilised.
In the hands of the inmates, the coal ash is carefully processed. The result is a soil nutrient rich in macro-elements, ready to enrich agricultural land across the Laskar Pelangi region.
Head of Pangkalpinang Prison, Sugeng Indrawan, expressed pride in the inmates' achievements. For Sugeng, this is the fruit of perseverance since the training programme began in 2025.
"We are working to make use of available resources within the prison with the support of various parties," said the prison chief on Wednesday, 18 February 2026.
Beyond this, the commitment has also been demonstrated through the delivery of six tonnes of compost to farming groups in Central Bangka. Sugeng emphasised that the programme serves as proof that empowering inmates can deliver real benefits.
"We hope for the support of all parties so that rehabilitation programmes in prisons can be sustained, promoting self-reliance and preventing recidivism among inmates," he added.
He explained that the programme is the result of collaboration between Pangkalpinang Prison, the Green Soil Central Bangka SME, and PT PLN Nusantara Power Services PLTU 3 Bangka Unit.
Appreciation came from the Acting Head of the Bangka Belitung Islands Regional Office of the Directorate General of Corrections, Gunawan Sutrisnadi. He noted that the innovation by Pangkalpinang Prison is aligned with the 15 acceleration programmes of the Minister of Immigration and Corrections.
According to him, the delivery of compost to farming groups is evidence that the corrections system delivers a positive impact on society. "This inaugural delivery of six tonnes of compost produced by Pangkalpinang Prison inmates is a source of pride for the Bangka Belitung Corrections service, and it is hoped this will continue to grow and inspire innovation in other prisons," said Gunawan.
His office is optimistic that the productive rehabilitation programme can be sustained and deliver tangible benefits for the community. He expressed hope that future synergies will be strengthened through increased production capacity, expanded marketing, and the development of ongoing training.
Meanwhile, PLTU 3 Bangka Unit Manager, I Gusti Ngurah Putra Astawa, explained that coal combustion residue, known as fly ash and bottom ash, can be effectively utilised.