POULTRYINDONESIA, Jakarta – Efforts to strengthen food security while promoting economic self-reliance continue to be intensified through cross-institutional collaboration. This synergy involves the Ministry of Immigration and Corrections, the Ministry of Agriculture, and the Institute for People’s Economic Empowerment (LPER), with a focus on training in poultry farming.

The collaboration was marked by the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between LPER and the Ministry of Immigration and Corrections in Jakarta on Monday (April 6). This agreement serves as the foundation for implementing business-based programs targeting inmates in correctional facilities. The program is designed not only to support national food security but also to equip inmates with practical economic skills as a strategic step amid global challenges in the food and energy sectors, while addressing the need to enhance community economic independence.

Minister of Immigration and Corrections, Agus Andrianto, emphasized that food security is currently a national priority, and therefore the utilization of land within correctional facilities must be directed to support this agenda. He stressed that development programs must deliver tangible impacts.

“The development of the agriculture, livestock, and fisheries sectors is not only a means of rehabilitation but also a contribution to national food security.”

Meanwhile, Director General of Livestock and Animal Health at the Ministry of Agriculture, Agung Suganda, stated that the livestock subsector holds significant potential for empowering inmates. According to him, poultry is a strategic choice because it is relatively easy to implement, adaptable, and has a continuously growing market, making it a real opportunity for inmates to establish independent businesses after release.

Agung also highlighted the importance of training oriented toward practical and economically valuable skills. With proper and continuous training, inmates are expected to reintegrate into society with readiness to work or start businesses. The increasing demand for poultry products such as chicken meat and eggs—especially to support the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program—further expands business opportunities in this sector.

“We encourage training programs to be designed based on market needs so that the businesses developed have economic value and competitiveness,” he said.

In its implementation, LPER acts as the executing partner by providing practice-based training. The scope includes broiler and layer poultry farming, strengthening business management, and facilitating access to capital through banking and insurance networks. The program also includes post-release assistance for inmates to ensure that the businesses they initiate can grow sustainably.

Chairman of LPER, Mulyadi Atma, emphasized the importance of collaboration in the success of this program. According to him, the initiative aims to improve skills and open up business opportunities for inmates after they return to society.

“Rehabilitation must provide productive skills so that they can become independent and competitive,” he affirmed.

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