Challenges of Implementing Deradicalisation Programs for Terrorist Prisoners: An Examination of Indonesian Prison Officers' Experiences

In dealing with convicted terrorists in Indonesian prisons, prison-based deradicalisation programs have been instituted by Indonesian authorities. The programs consist of many activities such as religious classes (kelas pengajian), trainings, religious discussions, counselling, etc. For the implementation of such programs, terrorist inmates are the participants, while one arm of the implementers is the prison officers. The current study aims to investigate challenges faced by Indonesian prison officers in the implementation of prison-based deradicalisation programs. Given the aim of the current study, a qualitative social research methodology is adopted. Focus group discussions with Indonesian prison officers are conducted in three Indonesian prisons, namely Cipinang, Pasir Putih Nusakambangan, and Surabaya prisons. By employing thematic qualitative analysis, the findings demonstrate five challenges faced by Indonesian prison officers implementing such programs: (1) terrorist inmates’ personalities; (2) the readiness of Indonesian prison officers; (3) the sustainability of the programs; (4) institutional infrastructure problems; (5) and unavailability of collaborative mechanisms.