Bengkulu Inmates Produce First Batch of Banana and Cassava Chips in Skills Training Program

Inmates at Bengkulu Prison enthusiastically practice producing banana and cassava chips under instructor guidance on the first day of skills training. Doc. PR Bengkulu Prison

Bengkulu— The first day of the independence-based skills training at Class IIA Bengkulu Correctional Facility was immediately filled with hands-on production activities. Inmates participating in the food processing program began making banana and cassava chips at the vocational training area on Monday (24/11).

Guided by instructors from the Dharma Bhakti Social Welfare Foundation, participants practiced each production stage, including sorting raw materials, peeling, slicing, soaking, hygienic frying techniques, oil draining, and product cooling. The entire process was carried out under the supervision of Bengkulu Prison officers to ensure safety, order, and compliance with training standards.

Chairperson of the Dharma Bhakti Social Welfare Foundation, Heti Hartati, emphasized that the program aims to introduce both technical skills and entrepreneurial insight. “Simple food products like chips can generate sustainable income when managed properly. That is the perspective we want participants to adopt,” Heti stated.

Head of Class IIA Bengkulu Correctional Facility, Julianto Budhi Prasetyono, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to transformative correctional guidance. “Through vocational training, we want inmates to gain real skills and the confidence to rebuild their future once they return to society,” he said.

The 10-day training program involves 40 inmates and focuses on strengthening productivity, discipline, and economic readiness after release. The food products generated throughout the program will also be evaluated for taste, quality, and marketing potential.

With structured and practice-oriented training, Bengkulu Prison continues to advance empowerment-based correctional development as a foundation for successful reintegration.