BALINEWSID.COM, CILACAP – Chairwoman of Commission IV of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Titiek Soeharto, has praised the transformation of Nusakambangan Correctional Complex into a center for food security and inmate empowerment programs.

The appreciation was expressed during her working visit to Nusakambangan on June 20, accompanied by Indonesia’s Minister of Immigration and Corrections, Agus Andrianto.

During the visit, Titiek inspected several flagship programs, including the Fly Ash Bottom Ash (FABA) workshop, agricultural and livestock projects, organic fertilizer production, a garment vocational training center, waste management facilities, fisheries, vannamei shrimp farming, and eel cultivation.

“On behalf of Commission IV, I would like to express my gratitude and highest appreciation to the Minister and the Ministry of Immigration and Corrections. Hopefully, this initiative can be replicated in other regions across Indonesia,” Titiek said.

She noted that Nusakambangan, long known as a high-security correctional island, has undergone a remarkable transformation into a productive area capable of generating various food commodities and useful products for the wider community.

“Nusakambangan has always been associated with a frightening image, often compared to Alcatraz. However, after visiting the island, I found it to be a welcoming place that produces many beneficial products for society,” she said.

Meanwhile, Minister Agus Andrianto stated that recommendations and input from Commission IV would be used to further strengthen ongoing programs. He emphasized that correctional institutions nationwide are optimizing the use of idle land to support the government’s national food security agenda.

“We welcome the evaluations and recommendations provided today and will follow them up through continuous improvements. We have informed Commission IV that correctional facilities across the country are maximizing available idle land to develop food security programs, particularly to meet their internal needs,” Agus said.

According to the ministry, approximately 135 hectares of productive land have been developed in Nusakambangan. Hundreds of inmates are actively involved in a range of sectors, including agriculture, livestock farming, fisheries, garment production, waste processing, shrimp aquaculture, and eel cultivation.

The transformation of Nusakambangan reflects the correctional system’s commitment to supporting Indonesia’s food security efforts while equipping inmates with practical skills and work experience. The programs are designed to help them reintegrate into society and contribute positively upon completing their sentences.

The initiative is increasingly being viewed as a model for correctional institutions, demonstrating how rehabilitation programs can simultaneously support national development goals and provide meaningful opportunities for inmate self-reliance.