Jayapura, Papua – In order to commemorate the 80th Anniversary (HUT) of the Republic of Indonesia, as many as 2,138 inmates throughout Papua received remission in the form of a reduction in the sentence. Of these, 76 prisoners were immediately declared free after receiving a remission decree.
The submission of general remission and remission of the decade was centered at the Abepura Class II A Correctional Institution (Lapas), Jayapura City, on Sunday (8/17/2025). The ceremony was solemnly attended by the Acting Governor of Papua, Agus Fatoni, the Head of the Regional Office of the Papuan Ministry of Law and Human Rights, the ranks of the local government, and local forkopimda elements.
In its report, the Prison side said that the granting of remission was carried out based on an objective assessment of the behavior of prisoners during the coaching period. Prisoners who are declared entitled to receive remission are those who have met the administrative and substantive requirements, including good behavior and actively participating in training programs in correctional institutions.
The Acting Governor of Papua, Agus Fatoni, in his speech emphasized that giving remission is one of the forms of the state’s presence in giving appreciation to the self-improvement efforts of correctional residents.
“Remission is not only a reduction of the sentence, but also a form of respect and state appreciation for all Papuan people, including prisoners. This momentum is expected to be a new spirit for our brothers and sisters to improve themselves and contribute positively when returning to society,” said Agus Fatoni.
Furthermore, he reminded all inmates to obey the rules and undergo the coaching period seriously. For 76 people who immediately breathe free air, Agus advised that bitter experiences in the past should be used as a valuable lesson.
“Go back to your family, build a better life, and be a role model in each other’s environment. Don’t waste this second chance,” he added.
The atmosphere of haru enveloped the remission handover event when several prisoners who were immediately free to cry haru while hugging their families. Most of them expressed their gratitude for the new opportunities given by the country.
The Head of the Regional Office of the Papua Ministry of Law and Human Rights also conveyed that the remission program is part of the correctional system that emphasizes the aspect of coaching, not just punishment. It is hoped that the provision of remission can encourage foster residents to continue to behave well, improve their skills, and be ready to be accepted by the community.
The Papua Provincial Government is also committed to supporting the social reintegration process of ex-convicts by involving the community and families. This support is expected to be able to reduce the number of recidivism and pave the way for the creation of a safe and conducive environment.
With this remission, thousands of foster residents in Papua get new motivation to live the rest of their sentences with full of hope. The celebration of the 80th Anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia in Papua is also a valuable momentum, not only for the general public, but also for those who are on their way back to a better life.
