Banjarmasin (ANTARA) - The Class IIA Banjarmasin Penitentiary, South Kalimantan, together with the city government launched Assimilation and Education Facilities (SAE) program to reduce unemployment by equipping inmates with productive skills and economic independence.
“SAE program is a joint effort to address the high unemployment rate in Banjarmasin City as revealed in the Public Consultation Forum on the Regional Government Work Plan by the South Kalimantan Board of Development Planning (Bappeda),” said Deputy Mayor of Banjarmasin Ananda after inaugurated SAE at the penitentiary here on Tuesday.
She hopes that inmates who completed their sentences at the Banjarmasin Penitentiary will become independence and contribute to reducing unemployment in the region.
“SAE program is not only oriented toward social development, but also provides economic impact through food security activities relevant with the needs of Banjarmasin City,” she said.
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Several activities developed at SAE have strategic value, one of which is the cultivation of papuyu (climbing gourami) fish, a primary consumption commodity for the local community and a contributor to regional inflation.
In addition, SAE also cultivates gourami, catfish, and tilapia, as well as hidroponic farming and vegetable plants such as eggplant, kale, and spinach.
Menwhile, Head of Banjarmasin Penitentiary Akhmad Herriansyah said SAE is the implementation of the 15 Action Program of the Ministryof Immigration and Corrections, specifically those directly related to correctional function.
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He explained that all inmates are involved in the activities of food security, micro-small-and medium business (MSME) activities, as well as Package A, B, dan C equivalent education to equip them with skills and diplomas upon their return to society.
The Banjarmasin Penitentiary also develops halal-certified inmates' business products, ranging from processed foods to local Sasirangan fabrics.
"The SAE program is part of the institution's performance targets in supporting national policies, with several ministry action programs directly intersecting with the correctional institution's duties and functions," said Herriansyah.
