Ministry of Labor: Employment for ex-detainees
The Secretary-General of the Ministry of Labor (Kemnaker), Cris Kuntadi, emphasized the government’s commitment to an inclusive and discrimination-free labor market.
During a visit to the prison in Malang (Lapas), East Java, on Thursday, May 7, 2026, Cris stated that every citizen has the constitutional right to work and a decent life, as enshrined in the 1945 Constitution.
This right applies to all segments of the population, including people facing social, legal, and economic obstacles.
“The government is there to guarantee your future after your rehabilitation period. Through special policies and special treatments, we want to ensure that ex-detainees can return to work or become entrepreneurs within the community,” stated Cris.
As a concrete step, Cris explained that the Ministry of Labor has established a Directorate for the Development of Specialized Employment Mediation since early 2025. This Directorate is tasked with providing specific groups of employees, including ex-detainees, with equal access to work and promoting the creation of an inclusive workforce.
“This effort is also part of the Ministry of Labor’s support for the social and economic reintegration process. Through training and internship programs, it is hoped that detainees will be mentally prepared and acquire the skills to return to society,” stated Cris.
According to Cris, this synergy is strengthened by a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of Labor and the Ministry of Immigration and Justice. This collaboration focuses on the execution of joint tasks and functions in the fields of immigration, justice, and employment to ensure an optimal transition of detainees to the labor market.
“Creating employment for ex-detainees is an expression of respect for human rights. We are grateful for the support of all parties in realizing inclusive employment for all Indonesian citizens,” said Cris. ***rel
