LABUHANBATU SELATAN | INDATANEWS.COM - The opportunity to change and improve one's life remains open, including for those serving sentences in correctional institutions. Several inmates at the Class III Kotapinang Correctional Facility in Labuhanbatu Selatan Regency have demonstrated this commitment to personal change by successfully memorising one Juz and the 30th Juz of the Quran.
Their achievement in the religious development programme received recognition from the prison authorities. In appreciation of their dedication and discipline, the inmates who completed the memorisation targets received certificates during a ceremony on Tuesday, 10 November 2026.
The event formed part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the inmates' spiritual awareness and encourage them to deepen their faith, improve their character and prepare for a better life when they return to society.
Religious Guidance Encourages Personal Change
The Head of the Class III Kotapinang Correctional Facility, Haris Damanik, S.H., M.H., through the Head of the Guidance Subsection, Nazwar Tambak, S.H., delivered a message and words of encouragement to all inmates. He urged them to participate wholeheartedly in every rehabilitation programme, particularly religious guidance activities.
In his address, Nazwar emphasised that successfully memorising the Quran was an achievement worthy of recognition and pride. The accomplishment demonstrated not only the inmates' ability to learn and retain the sacred text but also their commitment, perseverance and discipline throughout the rehabilitation process.
He expressed hope that the achievement would inspire other inmates to continue learning, improve their character and strengthen their faith and devotion to Allah SWT.
According to him, religious guidance plays an important role in developing spiritual awareness and shaping better individuals. Genuine personal change cannot be measured solely by someone's behaviour during their rehabilitation period. It must also be reflected in their determination to improve their hearts, attitudes and approach to life.
For this reason, inmates should regard every rehabilitation programme as an opportunity for self-reflection and the development of positive habits. Religious values are expected to guide their decisions and everyday conduct.
RELIGIOUS GUIDANCE AND MOTIVATION: Nazwar Tambak, Head of the Guidance Subsection, encourages inmates to participate wholeheartedly in the correctional facility's rehabilitation programmes. (PHOTO: Jhon Fitra Sagala)
Quran Memorisation Recognised with Certificates
As a mark of appreciation for their achievements, the Class III Kotapinang Correctional Facility presented certificates to inmates who had successfully memorised one Juz and the 30th Juz of the Quran.
The certificates were personally presented by Nazwar Tambak, Head of the Guidance Subsection, together with Ustaz H. Ahmad Budi.
The presentation recognised the inmates' perseverance, discipline and commitment to participating in the religious development programme. The recognition is also intended to encourage them to continue learning and deepen their understanding of the Quran.
The event proceeded in an orderly and solemn atmosphere. It also demonstrated that rehabilitation within a correctional institution is not solely concerned with instilling discipline. It provides inmates with opportunities to develop their spiritual potential and strengthen their personal character.
Their success in memorising the Quran despite restricted living conditions and limited freedom serves as a reminder that opportunities to learn and grow closer to Allah SWT remain available. Everyone has the opportunity to repent, make positive changes and build a better life while time and opportunities remain.
QURAN MEMORISATION CERTIFICATES PRESENTED: Nazwar Tambak and Ustaz H. Ahmad Budi present certificates to inmates who successfully memorised one Juz and the 30th Juz of the Quran. (PHOTO: Jhon Fitra Sagala)
Spiritual Values Prepare Inmates for Their Return to Society
Rehabilitation within correctional institutions is fundamentally about more than teaching inmates to comply with rules and regulations. It also aims to prepare them for their return to society by equipping them with stronger moral values, spiritual foundations and personal qualities.
In this context, Quran memorisation should not remain merely an achievement attained during rehabilitation. More importantly, the values contained in the holy book should be reflected in everyday life through honesty, patience, responsibility, compassion towards others and noble conduct.
Successfully memorising one Juz and the 30th Juz should therefore not be regarded as the end of the rehabilitation journey. Instead, it marks the beginning of a more meaningful life, stronger faith and a firm commitment to leaving negative behaviour behind.
Through sustained religious guidance programmes, the Class III Kotapinang Correctional Facility is expected to remain a place where inmates can develop their character and positive personal potential. These efforts are important in ensuring that inmates do not lose hope for a better future and can return to society as responsible individuals after completing their sentences.
Ultimately, the success of a rehabilitation programme cannot be measured solely by the number of Quranic sections memorised or certificates presented. What matters most is whether inmates can apply the Quran's values as a guide to their behaviour, decisions and relationships with others after returning to society.
The opportunity to change remains open to everyone. Even behind correctional facility walls, the journey towards a better life can begin through dedicated learning, strengthened faith and the practice of positive values in everyday life.
(IDNC)REPORTER: Jhon Fitra Sagala | EDITOR: Fik Sagala