South Kalimantan Corrections Directorate Creates Community Rice Fields to Realise Agricultural Coaching Programme

Banjarmasin (ANTARA) - The South Kalimantan Regional Office of the Directorate General of Corrections (Kanwil Ditjenpas Kalsel) has implemented a strategic programme of the Ministry of Agriculture, namely the creation of community rice fields to realise agricultural coaching for inmates, aiming to achieve food self-sufficiency.

“The inaugural rice planting has been carried out in Pagatan Besar Village, Takisung Subdistrict, Tanah Laut Regency,” said the Head of Kanwil Ditjenpas Kalsel, Mulyadi, in Banjarmasin on Saturday.

In the initial phase, the planting was conducted on a four-hectare plot as a pilot project for developing productive agricultural zones.

Mulyadi stated that the agricultural coaching programme is not only focused on production outcomes but also serves as a means to build character and enhance the skills of inmates.

Through this activity, inmates are not only equipped with work skills but also instilled with values of discipline, responsibility, and the spirit to build a better future upon reintegration into society.

Furthermore, this programme is part of the implementation of the President’s Asta Cita of the Republic of Indonesia and aligns with the Action Programme of the Ministry of Law and Human Rights, particularly in supporting national food security through the optimisation of resources available in the corrections system.

Thus, the corrections system not only plays a role in coaching aspects but is also able to provide tangible contributions to regional development and community food security.

Mulyadi revealed that the land currently being utilised is the result of a long and challenging process.

The area, previously covered in sedge vegetation, has now been successfully transformed into productive farmland thanks to the hard work and synergy of various parties.

He noted that this success demonstrates that through synergy and a spirit of mutual cooperation among institutions, various challenges can be overcome to produce something beneficial for the wider community,” he added.

South Kalimantan is one of the main focuses of the community rice field programme, with a gradual target of 500,000 hectares from 14 provinces designated by the Ministry of Agriculture to open new land and optimise idle land.