LABUHANBATU SELATAN | INDATANEWS.COM - The celebration of the 81st anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Indonesia at the Class III Kotapinang Correctional Facility on Monday, August 17, 2026, became an important moment for 93 inmates. As part of the Independence Day commemoration, a total of 93 inmates received sentence remissions, or reductions in their prison terms. Two of them were released on the same day after receiving a Remisi Umum II (RU II) remission.
The remission ceremony was held in a solemn atmosphere.
South Labuhanbatu Regent Fery Sahputra Simatupang served as the ceremony leader. Also attending were
South Labuhanbatu Deputy Regent Syahdian Purba Siboro,
South Labuhanbatu Regional House of Representatives Speaker Ari Winata,
South Labuhanbatu Police Chief AKBP Rosef Efendi,
South Labuhanbatu Chief Prosecutor Alexander Zaldi, a representative of Military District Command 0209/LB, and numerous other guests.
During the ceremony, Regent Fery Sahputra Simatupang symbolically presented the remission to a representative of the inmates at the Class III Kotapinang Correctional Facility. The remission was granted as part of the Independence Day celebrations and also served as recognition of the inmates' progress through the rehabilitation and correctional process.
91 Inmates Receive Remisi Umum I
The head of the Class III Kotapinang Correctional Facility, Haris Damanik, SH., MH., said that of the 93 inmates receiving sentence remissions, 91 were granted Remisi Umum I (RU I). The remaining two received Remisi Umum II (RU II), allowing them to be released from prison on the same day.
Haris explained that the sentence reductions ranged from one to four months. The reductions were granted in accordance with applicable regulations and based on whether each inmate had fulfilled the requirements for receiving a remission.
The two inmates who received RU II were Aldi Afandi and Irwansyah Putra Lubis. Aldi Afandi, who had been charged with and convicted of rubber theft, received a one-month remission, enabling him to complete his sentence and leave prison immediately. Irwansyah Putra Lubis, who was imprisoned for drug abuse, received a four-month remission and was also released immediately.
"Two of our inmates are being released directly today. We hope that the granting of these remissions will motivate inmates to maintain good conduct while serving their sentences. For those who are being released, we hope they will not repeat their mistakes and will reintegrate well into society," Haris said.
The granting of remissions also demonstrates the importance of the rehabilitation process during an inmate's time in custody. Good conduct and compliance with correctional and rehabilitation programs are among the requirements that must be fulfilled to qualify for a remission.
RELEASED AFTER RECEIVING REMISSION: Head of the Class III
Kotapinang Correctional Facility Haris Damanik explains that two inmates were immediately released after receiving Remisi Umum II (RU II) sentence remissions in conjunction with the 81st anniversary of Indonesia's Independence. (PHOTO: Jhon Fitra Sagala)
Regent Urges Inmates to Make a Change
Fery Sahputra used the occasion to encourage all inmates to view their time in prison as an opportunity for personal transformation. He urged them to continue improving themselves throughout the rehabilitation process.
In his view, serving a prison sentence should not mark the end of a person's life journey. Instead, inmates can use their time in custody and rehabilitation to improve their attitudes, develop discipline, and prepare themselves to return to society.
Fery Sahputra expressed hope that all inmates would demonstrate positive changes after completing their sentences. In this way, they can return to their families and communities as better individuals and continue their lives in a positive direction.
This message reflects one of the important purposes of granting remissions as part of the Independence Day celebrations. A remission is not merely a reduction in prison time, but also recognition for inmates who follow the rehabilitation process and maintain good conduct during their incarceration.
The opportunity to return to society is also an important part of the social reintegration process. Inmates who regain their freedom are expected to begin a new life, rebuild relationships with their families and communities, and avoid actions that could lead them into further conflict with the law.
TRADITIONAL COMPETITIONS HELD: Inmates at the Class III Kotapinang Correctional Facility participate in various traditional competitions during the celebration of Indonesia's 81st Independence Day, strengthening their sense of community. (PHOTO: Jhon Fitra Sagala)
Traditional Competitions Add Spirit to Independence Day Celebration
The 81st Independence Day celebration at the Class III Kotapinang Correctional Facility was not limited to the remission ceremony. The regent, together with representatives of regional government and security institutions, also presented prizes to winners of various traditional competitions in which the inmates participated.
Several competitions were organized to strengthen a sense of community while creating a positive atmosphere inside the correctional facility. The inmates took part in activities including marble races, a challenge involving putting nails into bottles, and sack races.
The activities added a distinctive atmosphere to the Independence Day celebration inside the correctional facility. In addition to strengthening community spirit, the competitions gave inmates an opportunity to interact positively with one another and develop a sense of sportsmanship.
The series of activities demonstrates that rehabilitation behind the walls of a correctional facility is not solely focused on serving a prison sentence. The rehabilitation process also encompasses character development, discipline, a sense of community, and a positive outlook, providing inmates with a foundation for their eventual return to society.
The granting of sentence remissions and the Independence Day celebrations ultimately served as a reminder that every inmate has an opportunity to change. For those who regain their freedom, the opportunity represents a new beginning to reorganize their lives, respect the law, and build positive relationships within society.
For inmates who must continue serving their sentences, meanwhile, the granting of remissions can serve as motivation to properly complete the rehabilitation process. The hope is that they will demonstrate positive changes and, in due course, receive the opportunity to return to society.
In the spirit of independence, the Class III Kotapinang Correctional Facility used the occasion not merely as an annual ceremony, but also as part of its efforts to encourage change and strengthen inmate rehabilitation so that they can lead better lives after completing their sentences. (IDNC)
REPORTER:
Jhon Fitra Sagala | EDITOR:
Fik Sagala