Presidential Chief of Staff to Report Nusakambangan's Transformation to Prabowo
Presidential Chief of Staff (KSP) Dudung Abdurachman admitted it was his first time setting foot on Nusakambangan Island, Cilacap, Central Java. He stated he would report the results of his working visit to President Prabowo Subianto after witnessing the transformation of the prison island.
“This is my first time in Nusakambangan. What was once said to be terrifying turned out not to be,” Dudung said at the location on Tuesday (28/7/2026).
According to Dudung, Nusakambangan now presents a new face of the correctional system. The area, long known as a symbol of law enforcement, has successfully transformed into a productive rehabilitation centre through the development of agriculture, livestock, fisheries, and various enterprises involving inmates.
“A great nation is not only measured by its ability to punish, but also by its ability to build hope and restore people,” said the former Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Army.
Dudung noted that previously unused land is now producing rice, corn, vegetables, livestock, fisheries, and products made by inmates. He assessed that the transformation carried out by the Ministry of Immigration and Corrections aligns with President Prabowo Subianto’s priority agenda of achieving food security and supporting the Asta Cita vision.
“The transformation of Nusakambangan is an inspiration that correctional institutions are not merely places for punishment, but spaces for building people. When rehabilitation can produce productive citizens, it simultaneously demonstrates a contribution to the food security that the President has been promoting,” Dudung explained.
Dudung confirmed that his office will continue to oversee the President’s priority programmes, including helping to resolve coordination obstacles, regulatory issues, and cross-ministerial support to ensure strategic programmes run more effectively. He expressed hope that other ministries and state institutions would emulate the innovation of the Ministry of Immigration and Corrections.
“If this can be developed by other ministries with greater potential, with very limited resources the Minister can develop this, what about other places with larger areas and opportunities,” Dudung said.
At the end of his visit, Dudung expressed appreciation to the Minister for his courage in taking innovative steps in the correctional sector. He described the correctional transformation as a form of integrity and willingness to work.
“On behalf of the Presidential Chief of Staff, I appreciate what Mr Agus has done. Hopefully, I will report this to the President as a pilot project. It is not merely about productivity, but the example is integrity and willingness. That is what we all must emulate,” he concluded.