"I laud all work units of the ministry's Regional Office in Riau Islands, who have optimally fostered correctional facility residents," Laoly said here on Saturday.
Fostering activities are key to making prisoners' lives sustainable, he added.
He lauded the facility's cooperation with several companies to provide opportunities to all prison inmates to return to their normal lives.
During his visit, he also greeted some of the prisoners at the correctional facility. He advised them to behave well while serving their jail term and not commit crimes again after their release.
"Give your best behavior during this rehabilitation period, learn a lot, and take advantage of the facilities provided by prison so that you can be ready to develop after leaving here," he said.
Laoly then announced that he had just signed an extension to the COVID-19 assimilation program.
The program aims to integrate prisoners into community life for the prevention of COVID-19 outbreaks in prisons and detention centers.
The minister also sought the support of prisoners in keeping the prison environment conducive to help the ministry fight for their rights.
"If you make a fuss, the rules that we have been fighting for will be changed again. Let there be no turmoil here so the remissions will remain available," he said.
Laoly, accompanied by Riau Islands Governor Ansar Ahmad, also met with former prisoners who have returned to society and are working in companies as security guards, at the recommendation of the Correctional Center (Bapas).
In total, 101 former prisoners have received Bapas' recommendation and are currently holding jobs at ten companies in Riau Islands.
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Translator: Ogen, Kenzu
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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