Governor Bobby Nasution Discusses Strengthening the Status of Inmates and Combating Drugs
North Sumatra Governor Muhammad Bobby Afif Nasution discussed strengthening the status of inmates and efforts to eradicate drugs during a meeting with Jalu Yusaw Panjang, the Head of the Regional Office of the Directorate General of Corrections (Ditjenpas) for North Sumatra.
According to Bobby, these two aspects must go hand in hand to bring about real change for inmates.
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The discussion took place at the North Sumatra Governor’s office at Jalan Diponegoro No. 30, Medan. The meeting also addressed strengthening cooperation between the North Sumatra provincial government, the National Narcotics Agency (BNN), and the Directorate General of Corrections in combating drug trafficking, including within prisons.
Bobby Nasution acknowledged that North Sumatra has long struggled with drug-related issues. In fact, since 2019, North Sumatra has been among the provinces with the highest rates of drug trafficking. Therefore, he believes that inter-agency cooperation must be continuously strengthened to achieve optimal results in the fight against drugs.
“North Sumatra has long grappled with drug problems. Since 2019, it has been the province with the highest levels of drug trafficking. We aim to truly eradicate drugs through collaboration with the National Narcotics Agency (BNN) and the Directorate General of Corrections,” said Bobby Nasution.
In addition to combating drug-related issues, Bobby emphasized the importance of rehabilitation through productive activities, ensuring inmates possess the skills and resources needed to reintegrate into society after serving their sentences.
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“We want prisons in North Sumatra to develop their productive potential. Inmates should undergo transformation—mentally, behaviorally, and in terms of skills—during their time in the system,” he said.
Bobby also indicated that the North Sumatra provincial government is prepared to support the development of productive activities within prisons.
According to a report by the head of the North Sumatra regional office of the Directorate General of Corrections, several prisons still face a shortage of land for productive activities and a need for teaching staff, as some inmates remain illiterate.
“I see that some prisons are already capable of manufacturing various products and generating economic value. We need to encourage this. If support staff are required, the provincial government stands ready to assist,” Bobby stated.
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Meanwhile, Jalu Yuswa Panjang, head of the North Sumatra regional office of the Directorate General of Corrections, hopes that all inmates will undergo positive changes during their rehabilitation. Beyond behavioral changes, they are also expected to acquire skills that prepare them for a new life after their release.
“We want inmates to experience positive changes during their time in prison. Upon their release, they will not only have changed their behavior but also acquired skills they can utilize in their lives following rehabilitation,” said Jalu.
On that occasion, the head of the North Sumatra regional office of the Directorate General of Corrections also requested support from the North Sumatra provincial government to fund healthcare for inmates no longer covered by BPJS Kesehatan (Social Security).
He noted that such support would be highly beneficial in meeting the inmates’ healthcare needs.
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In response, Bobby Nasution emphasized that inmates who are residents of North Sumatra and hold a North Sumatra identity card are covered under the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) program.
He therefore urged that this facility be fully utilized to provide healthcare to eligible inmates.
“If the inmates hold a North Sumatra identity card, they are covered by the UHC. Please make use of that,” said Bobby. ***REL
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