Tangerang Prison Inmates Produce 10,000 Paving Blocks Daily

JAKARTA (ANTARA) – Tangerang Class I Prison in Banten has launched the Jawara Beton productive rehabilitation program, involving inmates producing construction materials from coal fly ash and bottom ash (FABA) waste, with a daily output of 10,000 paving blocks. In addition to paving blocks, Jawara Beton at Tangerang Prison also produces compressed bricks (2,500 per day), wave breakers, modular homes, and panel fences. ‘The production activity involves 70 inmates out of 1,500 total at the facility,’ said Tangerang Prison Chief Beni Hidayat on Tuesday in Tangerang. He said the construction materials production has been ongoing since early 2025, initiated by Minister of Immigration and Corrections Agus Andrianto. ‘The Minister of Immigration and Corrections met with PLN’s CEO to discuss utilising coal power plant waste with inmate involvement,’ Beni said. Beni explained that involving inmates in the Jawara Beton workshop is part of rehabilitation efforts to equip them with skills for a better future upon release. Inmates involved in FABA-based construction material production were selected through an assessment process to ensure they are willing to learn and work. He added that inmates participating in Jawara Beton receive bonuses from the sales of produced construction materials. ‘The bonuses are directly transferred to inmates’ accounts, and they are also covered by BPJS Health and Employment Insurance,’ he said. Currently, Jawara Beton supplies paving blocks and compressed bricks to several developers, including Sumarecon. Jawara Beton workshop has also been used for the construction of civil servants’ housing facilities under Kemenimipas in Bekasi, launched on Tuesday (19/5). ‘We have private sector partnerships, and Sumarecon is already using our compressed bricks,’ Beni said. Wave breaker production has also caught the attention of the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP). Beni said Tangerang Prison’s paving blocks and compressed bricks are also available for public use. Orders can be placed via e-commerce or by contacting the prison via its official social media channels. Serbou Bin Herman (37), a Lampung resident serving a 12-year sentence at Tangerang Prison, expressed gratitude for being part of the Immigration and Corrections in Action (IMPACT) Route programme. He has been working for six months producing iron frameworks for concrete structures, earning up to Rp2 million in wages. ‘I will use the money as capital after release. I’m grateful to be involved and hope to continue working here after my release,’ said Bao.