Jakarta (Indonesia), 12 January 2023 - Provision of social rehabilitation and reintegration support for former violent extremist offenders (VEOs) has been one of the strategies implemented by the Government of Indonesia to deradicalise and mitigate the risk of recidivism of former VEOs. This strategy is stipulated in the National Action Plan on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism that Leads to Terrorism (RAN-PE).
In supporting the Government of Indonesia’s effort to provide social rehabilitation and reintegration assistance for former VEOs, in 2022, UNODC conducted an entrepreneurship management training for former VEOs who were released under parole. The training was conducted in collaboration with the Directorate General of Corrections, through Parole and Probation Office in Malang district, and Yayasan Inspirasi Indonesia Membangun or also known as the Foundation for Inspiration of Indonesia Development (YIIM).
The activity was part of a joint UN project on rehabilitation and reintegration that also involved the United Nations Security Council Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED) and the United Nations of Office Counter-Terrorism – UN Counter Terrorism Center (UNCCT). The project was funded by the Government of Japan.
This training was aimed to equip the former VEOs with necessary entrepreneurial knowledge and skills in the hope that they can start or expand their own business as a means of livelihood. This training is in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 1 eradicate poverty, SDG 2 end hunger, SDG 8 decent work and economic growth, SDG 10 reduce inequality, SDG 16 peace, justice and strong institutions, and SDG 17 partnership to achieve goals. In addition, this activity also contributed to the implementation of the Government of Indonesia’s RAN-PE.
Developing an Agro-Tourism Business upon Release from Prison: A Successful Story from a Former VEOs
One of the alumni of the entrepreneurship management training is Mr. SA. He was sentenced to four years and two months in prison for purchasing chemical substance for explosives material.
Three months after receiving conditional release from prison, in 2018, Mr. SA decided to start his own agro-tourism business. Mr. SA converted his family’s land for seed farming, animal husbandry, and children’s playground. Visitors who come have to pay an entrance ticket and they can experience farming and petting animals first hand.
Since he was in prison, Mr. SA had planned what activity he would do after he is released from prison. One of the plans is a business in the agricultural sector.
“When I was inside, I already conceptualized what I would like to do when I get out later. Thank God it’s going smoothly now because from inside prison I’ve thought about it. Even though the reality didn’t always go as planned, this can be used as a lesson.”
The Good Impact of Entrepreneurship Management Training on Sutrisno’s Business
After attending the entrepreneurship management training, Mr. SA felt that he has gained knowledge on his business development, especially regarding digital marketing. For example, he learned how to utilise social media and e-commerce for his marketing effort. According to him, digital marketing is very helpful to expand his business market. So far, Mr. SA has only sold agricultural and livestock products to traditional markets with face-to-face (offline) marketing.
“Yesterday’s training was very important for us, especially for the e-commerce marketing and design strategy section. My plan for the future is to develop the business by selling livestock products such as frozen meat with e-commerce so that our sales will not only be here, we can go beyond this city.”
As for the playground, Mr. SA has only done word-of-mouth marketing. Now Mr. SA is starting to promote his agro-tourism place through social media such as Tiktok and Instagram. Mr. SA gained more understanding about online marketing through a modul on online and offline marketing and branding during the training.
“I started marketing through sharing the information with kindergarten teachers. Kindergarten teachers need knowledge about agriculture. So, when they practice about animals and the environment, I invite them to educate. In accordance with my mission, this is done because of concerns about agriculture, which is currently not of interest of the younger generation.”
To expand his business, Mr. SA is assisted by Mr. WI, who is also a former VEOs, for online marketing and also catalog photos. Currently, they are still in the marketing preparation stage. Mr. SA plans to market the products of his business outside the city and also abroad. At present, Mr. SA’s business also has a Business License Number and Business Certificate at the sub-district level.
Mr. SA also owns a grocery shop and batik printing workshop. Joining the training has also motivated him to expand his business. He hopes that in the future, this business can provide knowledge and attract young people to work in the agricultural sector. In addition, it can be integrated with the surrounding community to empower and provide livelihood for them, including for former VEOs who are reintegrating to society.
Information related to the training can be accessed via THIS VIDEO.
