Semarang ex-cons form association

SEMARANG, Central Java: Schools no longer have a monopoly on alumni organizations because ex-convicts in Semarang have formed their own respected association.

Semarang military district chief Lt. Col. Supriatno inaugurated on Saturday the Satria Manunggal Jaya organization which aims to help ex-convicts hone their talents and begin a new life outside prison.

The chairman of the association, Budiono, said: "Members of this organization will help police ensure security and fight crime."

Budiono, 30, an "alumnus" of the notorious Nusa Kambangan island prison, Central Java, along with 100 members of the association, pledged their commitment to the state ideology Pancasila and the 1945 Constitution on Saturday in front of Suprianto.

As reported by Antara, local authorities promised to find new jobs for members of the association. (prb)