PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - The Bandung City Manpower Office (Disnaker) and Bandung Class I Penitentiary collaborated to hold pastry and barber training for inmates of Bandung Class I Penitentiary, Tuesday (6/5/2025). The activity was held at the Sabanda Sariksa Hall, Jalan Jakarta Number 29, Kebonwaru, Batununggal District, Bandung City.

The number of training participants was 40 inmates. The pastry training was carried out for seven days, while
Ten days of barber training.

Bandung Mayor Muhammad Farhan who was present also appreciated the training. According to him, this training is part of an effort to empower inmates. Including efforts to eliminate the negative stigma against former inmates.

Training like this proves that inmates are capable of changing and have the skills to contribute to society after release.

"We must prove the stigma that alumni of prisons are people who cannot be fixed wrong. It is not easy, but therein lies the blessing," said Farhan.

He also expressed his respect and appreciation for the cross-institutional cooperation involved, and emphasized that inmates remain part of the Bandung City community.

"What we are doing today is part of empowerment. They are citizens of Bandung City, but they are in the process of being coached. We must fully support the opportunity to improve ourselves," he added.

As a form of concrete support, Farhan plans to return to visit the prison on the last day of the barber training.

"On the 10th day I will come here to get a haircut. Not a formality, but as proof that this training really pays off," he said to laughter and applause from the audience.

“The mistakes of the past have happened, but the opportunity to improve is still there. That is what we support today,” Farhan concluded.

Meanwhile, the Head of the Bandung City Manpower Office, Andri Darusman, explained that this training is part of the job opportunity expansion program funded by the 2025 Bandung City Budget.

According to Andri, this program is part of 240 training packages based on Musrenbang proposals and 10 regular training packages run by the Manpower Office.

Meanwhile, the Head of the Regional Office of the Directorate General of Corrections, Kusnali, hopes that this training will not stop in just two areas.

With the number of inmates reaching almost 2,000, he proposed that training be expanded, including to technical areas such as air conditioning servicing.

"Now almost all houses use AC. If inmates are trained to service AC, they will not only have skills, but also real job opportunities after release. This will be very applicable," he said.

He also proposed that the Bandung City Government create a special policy to employ former inmates who have undergone training, for example for community service programs such as cleaning air conditioners in residential areas.