Nusakambangan Prison Transforms into Productive Rehabilitation Center - Presidential Staff Chief Reports Visit

Chief of Presidential Staff (KSP) Dudung Abdurachman has visited Nusakambangan Island, Cilacap, Central Java, for the first time, noting its significant transformation. He stated that he would report the findings of his working visit to President Prabowo Subianto after observing the metamorphosis of the prison island. "This is my first time visiting Nusakambangan. What used to be called terrifying, turns out it is not," Dudung said on Tuesday (28/7/2026). According to Dudung, Nusakambangan now presents a new face of correctional facilities. The area, long known as a symbol of law enforcement, is deemed to have successfully transformed into a productive development center through the expansion of agriculture, livestock, fisheries, and various businesses involving correctional facility residents. "A great nation is not only measured by its ability to impose punishment, but also by its ability to build hope and restore humans," said the former Chief of Staff of the Army. Dudung mentioned that previously unutilized lands are now capable of producing rice, corn, vegetables, supporting livestock and fisheries, and even products created by the residents. He assessed that the transformation carried out by the Ministry of Law and Human Rights (Kemenimipas) aligns with President Prabowo Subianto's priority agenda to realize food security and support the 'Asta Cita' (President's priority goals). "The transformation of Nusakambangan is an inspiration that correctional institutions are not just places for punishment, but spaces for human development. When rehabilitation can produce productive citizens, it simultaneously demonstrates a contribution to food security, which has been promoted by the President," Dudung explained. On this occasion, Dudung assured that his office would continue to oversee the implementation of the President's priority programs, including assisting in resolving coordination and regulatory obstacles, as well as cross-ministerial and institutional support to ensure strategic programs run more effectively. He expressed hope that other ministries and state institutions would emulate the innovations of Kemenimipas. "If this can be developed by other ministries with broader potential, with very limited potential, the minister (Minister of Law and Human Rights Agus Andrianto) can develop like this, how about other places with greater areas and opportunities?" Dudung remarked. At the end of his visit, Dudung appreciated Minister Agus for his courage in taking innovative steps in the correctional sector. He described the transformation of correctional facilities as a form of integrity and willingness to work. "On behalf of the Presidential Staff Office, I appreciate what Mr. Agus has done. Hopefully, I will report this to the President as an example. Not solely for its productivity, but what serves as an example is integrity and willingness. That is what we all must emulate," he concluded.