Papua Directorate General of Corrections Committed to Combating Drug Circulation in Prisons

Jayapura (ANTARA) - The Regional Office (Kanwil) of the Directorate General of Corrections (Ditjenpas) Papua is committed to combating the circulation of narcotics and the illegal use of mobile phones within correctional institutions (Lapas).

Regional Head of Ditjenpas Papua, Herman Mulawarman, during the handover ceremony for the Head of Class IIA Abepura Prison in Jayapura on Thursday, stated that the circulation of narcotics and the illegal use of mobile phones in prisons pose a serious threat to the correctional system.

“To that end, I ask the new Head of Class IIA Abepura Prison to pay close attention to this matter,” he said.

According to Herman, his office also requests that routine search activities be conducted, involving law enforcement apparatus such as the police and TNI, to strengthen supervision and prevent potential violations.

He explained that the geographical conditions and social characteristics in Papua present unique challenges in prison management; in addition to local inmates, there are also foreign nationals, including from Papua New Guinea, requiring special handling and cross-agency coordination.

“Thus, synergy with the police, TNI, prosecutors, courts, and immigration is very important to maintain the stability and security of the prison,” he stated.

He added that cross-sector collaboration is key to the success in maintaining a conducive prison environment.

His office emphasises the importance of the role of all personnel in supporting the new leadership, so that it is hoped every piece of information obtained in the field can be conveyed as part of early detection and prevention efforts.

“Support from all ranks is very determining. Even the smallest piece of information can be key in preventing security disturbances,” he said again.

His office hopes that the new leadership at Class IIA Abepura Prison can bring about better changes, not only in maintaining security but also in improving the quality of inmate rehabilitation.