On the morning of September 25, 2024, a meaningful and impactful visit took place at the Lembaga Pemasyarakatan Perempuan Kelas II A (LAPAS), a women’s correctional facility, located in East Jakarta City, Jakarta, Indonesia. This special event involved nine staff members from Faculty of Cognitive Sciences and Human Development, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) and eleven representatives from Faculty of Psychology, Universitas Yarsi to inspire, motivate, and uplift 40 female inmates through a series of powerful talks and activities centred on themes of self-love, resilience, and embracing the future.
The three-hour program, which started at 9 a.m., aimed to provide guidance and support to the inmates as they navigated the challenges of their past, present, and future.
The program began with Dr. Nur Fatihah Abdullah Bandar delivering a heartfelt talk titled “Melepaskan Masa Lalu, Self-Love.” Dr. Nur Fatihah explored the importance of releasing the burdens of the past and shifting focus toward nurturing self-love. She spoke passionately about how crucial it is to accept one’s emotions, emphasizing that acknowledging feelings is the first step toward healing.
She also touched on the power of forgiveness, urging the inmates to forgive not only others but also themselves, as this act of grace is essential for moving forward. Dr. Nur Fatihah went on to highlight the significance of finding meaning in life’s experiences, encouraging the inmates to extract valuable lessons from both positive and negative encounters. By doing so, they could begin planning for a brighter future, channelling their energy and aspirations into more constructive paths. To reinforce her message, Dr. Nur Fatihah introduced activities such as writing an emotional journal, reframing negative thoughts into positive perspectives, and creating a visual board to help visualize and work towards their dreams and goals.
The second talk was delivered by Associate Professor Dr. Amalia Madihie, who spoke on the theme “Kasih Diri, Cinta Semua.” Her message was centred on the idea that self-love is not just a personal endeavour but one that extends outward, influencing relationships and interactions with others. AP Dr. Amalia shared that a simple smile could have a profound impact, bringing warmth and positivity not only to oneself but also to those around them.
She encouraged the inmates to search for the deeper meaning of their lives, urging them to reflect on their unique strengths, passions, and what truly matters to them. Furthermore, she highlighted the importance of building a strong support system, reminding the inmates that surrounding themselves with people who uplift and encourage them is a vital aspect of nurturing self-love and personal growth. Her words resonated deeply, convincing the inmates that loving oneself is the foundation for loving and connecting with others.
The final speaker, Dr. Ratih Arrum Listiyandini, brought the session to a powerful close with her talk on “Tangguh Menghadapi Masa Depan.” She emphasized the importance of understanding oneself as a means of building resilience. Dr. Ratih encouraged the inmates to embark on a journey of self-discovery, to understand their own strengths and weaknesses, and to draw from this knowledge as they navigate life’s challenges.
She spoke about the importance of hope as a catalyst for change, inspiring the inmates to keep looking forward and believing in the possibility of a brighter future. Moreover, Dr. Ratih shared practical strategies for building resilience, stressing that inner strength is a quality that can be developed and nurtured over time.
The event concluded with an engaging Q&A session, where the inmates had the opportunity to ask questions and seek further insights from the speakers. This interactive exchange allowed them to connect on a deeper level, fostering an atmosphere of mutual support, understanding, and hope. By the end of the session at 12 p.m., the inmates left with renewed spirits and valuable tools to help them on their journey toward healing, self-love, and resilience.
This visit to LAPAS, served as a powerful reminder that no matter one’s past or circumstances, there is always room for growth, transformation, and hope. The combined efforts of the speakers and participants made this event a memorable and inspiring experience, highlighting the incredible potential that lies within each individual to rewrite their story and embrace a more positive and fulfilling future.
Written by Aina Razlin Mohammad Roose