World Delegation Appreciates Local Wisdom-Based Training in Bangli Prison and Bapas Karangasem

The Minister of Immigration and Corrections (Menimipas), Agus Andrianto, officially opened The 7th World Congress on Probation and Parole (WCPP) 2026 at the Bali International Convention Center, Tuesday (14/4). (IST)

BALI - The practice of local wisdom-based inmate training in Indonesia has won praise from international participants. After attending the series of The 7th World Congress on Probation and Parole (WCPP) 2026, delegates from various countries visited the Bangli Class IIA Narcotics Penitentiary (Lapas) and the Abhipraya Dharma Laksana House owned by the Karangasem Class II Penitentiary (Bapas) on Friday (17/4).

This visit is not just a ceremonial. Participants are invited to see firsthand the implementation of the coaching and mentoring system, ranging from skills training, health services, to the social reintegration process that integrates local cultural values.

The series of activities began with the performance of the work of the Binaan Residents who showed creativity and the results of coaching. The delegation then reviewed various facilities at the Bangli Narcotics Prison, including the Assimilation and Education Facility, health services, and productive work units which are an important part of coaching independence.

The visit continued to the Abhipraya Dharma Laksana House in Karangasem. At this location, the inmates received guidance through an approach that combines vocational training with local cultural values, in cooperation with the Pesraman Guru Kula Foundation.

Positive responses came from international participants. They assessed that the approach applied in Indonesia provides a new perspective in the global correctional system, by combining rehabilitation and local wisdom.

"I really appreciate this visit. This is an important lesson for us on how to incorporate cultural values in the coaching and mentoring process," said Ayyub, a representative from the Singapore Prison Service.

This visit also confirms Indonesia's position as one of the references in the practice of humanism and rehabilitation-oriented penitentiaries. In the midst of global challenges such as overcapacity and high rates of recidivism, a culture-based approach is considered to be a more sustainable solution that touches the root of the problem.

Previously, the Minister of Immigration and Corrections (Menimipas), Agus Andrianto, officially opened The 7th World Congress on Probation and Parole (WCPP) 2026 at the Bali International Convention Center, Tuesday (14/4). This activity will take place on April 14-17, 2026.

"The penitentiary system is no longer solely about imprisonment, but also about rehabilitation," said Agus.

Meanwhile, the Director General of Corrections, Mashudi, in closing the congress emphasized that this forum reflects an important shift in the global policy of the criminal justice system.

"This congress is a space for sharing knowledge and best practices between countries, as well as enriching perspectives in the implementation of more effective coaching and mentoring," said Mashudi.

It is known that this congress was attended by more than 400 participants from 44 countries consisting of practitioners, academics, and stakeholders in the field of corrections. During the four days of implementation, participants attended various agendas, ranging from plenary sessions, thematic discussions, to the exchange of best practices.

This forum is expected to strengthen international collaboration as well as encourage the realization of a more inclusive, adaptive, and recovery-oriented justice system in various countries.