Mataram, University of Mataram — The University of Mataram (Unram) was actively involved in an event titled “Seni Harapan Cinta: Art Festival & Inmate Product Exhibition, Free Health Checkup, and Launching of Warnapas Academy,” organized by the Ministry of Immigration and Corrections of the Republic of Indonesia through the Directorate General of Corrections, NTB Regional Office. The event took place at Teras Udayana, Mataram City, on Saturday (November 2).

The event featured a range of activities, including a morning exercise session, free health screenings, an exhibition of creative products made by correctional inmates, and an art performance by Jeruji, a band composed entirely of inmates. The event also included a Peresean cultural performance presented by inmates as part of efforts to promote artistic development and preserve local cultural traditions.

During the event, Rector of Unram Prof. Ir. Bambang Hari Kusumo, M.Agr.St., Ph.D., joined in signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) as part of a collaborative initiative to strengthen education, vocational training, and mentoring programs for correctional inmates.

“This initiative provides an opportunity for inmates to showcase their creativity, talents, and skills that can be further developed. Such empowerment is essential to help them reintegrate into society with valuable knowledge and practical abilities,” said the Rector of Unram.

He emphasized that universities play a strategic role in supporting the rehabilitation process from competency-based training to product marketing assistance to ensure that inmates have viable economic opportunities after their release.

“Unram is committed to contributing not only through training and skill development but also by supporting the promotion and marketing of inmates’ creative products. They are part of our nation’s citizens who deserve the opportunity to rise and increase their self-reliant,” he affirmed

Meanwhile, the Head of the NTB Regional Office of the Directorate General of Corrections, Anak Agung Gde Krisna, A.Md.IP., S.H., M.H., explained that the launch of Warnapas Academy represents an innovative step in the correctional inmate development system.

“The creative works produced by inmates are the result of a continuous coaching process within correctional facilities, and their quality is comparable to those made by the wider public. Through Warnapas Academy, we aim to ensure that inmates are not only rehabilitated but also fully prepared to reintegrate and become self-reliant members of society,” he said.

The event was also attended by leaders from various public and private universities in Mataram, reflecting cross-institutional support for the inmate empowerment program. The program concluded with a cultural performance and an exhibition of creative products developed through correctional training programs.