Yogyakarta Bapas Begins Implementing Community Service Sentences for Convicts
The Yogyakarta Class I Correctional Centre (Bapas) is collaborating with four Yogyakarta City Government regional apparatus organisations (OPD) to implement community service sentences for convicts as part of the new Criminal Code (KUHP).
Head of the Yogyakarta Class I Bapas, Galih Rakasiwi, stated that the four OPDs will serve as locations for carrying out community service sentences as well as public service for both juvenile and adult correctional clients.
According to Galih, under the new KUHP, community service sentences can be imposed on perpetrators of criminal offences punishable by less than five years’ imprisonment if the judge imposes a prison sentence of a maximum of six months.
‘According to the new KUHP, minor offences carry a threat of less than five years. Then, for community service, if the judge imposes a maximum of six months’ imprisonment, it can be replaced with community service,’ he said after the signing of a cooperation agreement on the implementation of community service in Yogyakarta on Thursday.
He explained that the placement of convicts will be adjusted based on an assessment by the community guidance officer, including their interests, talents, and abilities.
‘For example, if someone has skills in agriculture, they can carry out their community service sentence at the Agriculture Agency,’ he said.
According to him, community service is a form of criminal law reform that prioritises restoration, restorative justice, social reintegration, and reducing the stigma against criminal offenders.
Head of the Yogyakarta City Agriculture and Food Agency, Sukidi, said that participants in community service sentences will be involved in light administrative tasks, plant care, environmental cleaning, preparation of planting media, organic fertiliser management, and fish seeding, according to the assessment results.
He expressed hope that inter-agency coordination will continue to be strengthened so that the implementation of community service sentences runs effectively.