The Role Of Correctional Officers In Inmate Rehabilitation As An Effort To Prevent Recidivism (Study At Class Iia Sibolga Prison)

Abstract

The high rate of recidivism in Indonesia reflects the suboptimal rehabilitative function of the correctional system. This study aims to examine the regulatory framework governing the role of correctional officers in the guidance and rehabilitation of inmates, as well as to identify optimization efforts as a strategy for preventing the recurrence of criminal acts, with the research locus at Class IIA Sibolga Prison. The research was designed using an empirical juridical method that combines a statutory approach and a sociological approach. Data collection was conducted through semi-structured interviews with key informants, participatory observation of rehabilitation activities, and tracing of relevant regulatory documents and correctional policies. All data were analyzed qualitatively using source and method triangulation techniques. The findings reveal that normatively, Indonesian correctional regulations have provided a comprehensive legal foundation for the implementation of the supervisory role by correctional officers. However, in practice, there is a significant gap between the ideal norms and field realities due to human resource deficits, a non-ideal officer-to-inmate ratio, and inadequate rehabilitation infrastructure. The rehabilitation programs conducted are still predominantly administrative in nature and have not yet achieved a deep behavioral transformation of inmates. This study concludes that the effectiveness of recidivism prevention requires optimizing the role of officers through continuous competency strengthening, the application of risk-need-responsivity-based assessment, and a more personal and humanistic approach to rehabilitation as a prerequisite for achieving meaningful social reintegration of inmates.