Indonesian Journal of Criminal Law Studies
Vol. 10 No. 2 (2025): Indonesia J. Crim. L. Studies (November, 2025)

Rehabilitation through Reading: Evaluating Prisoners’ Right to Literacy as a Tool to Reduce Recidivism

Ade Adhari (Faculty of Law, Universitas Tarumanagara)
Fransisca Iriani Roesmala Dewi (Faculty of Law, Universitas Tarumanagara)
Anis Widyawati (Faculty of Law, Universitas Negeri Semarang)
Darius Andana Haris (Faculty of Law, Universitas Tarumanagara)
Dwiky Chandra (Chicago Law School)



Article Info

Publish Date
05 Nov 2025

Abstract

Fulfilling inmates’ right to reading materials is crucial for effective rehabilitation within Indonesia’s correctional system, despite robust legal guarantees—from the 1945 Constitution to specific laws and regulations—practical implementation faces significant hurdles. High recidivism rates in Indonesia underscore the urgent need for genuine rehabilitation beyond mere punitive measures. Using a doctrinal legal research method, the analysis draws on statutory and conceptual approaches, supported by case studies from Class IIB Pinrang, LPKA Pekanbaru, and Class IIA Kupang. Findings highlight there is a persistent gap between legal mandates and on-the-ground reality. A fundamental shift is needed to bridge this: reading must be seen not just as a formal right, but as a core educational and rehabilitative tool for intellectual and personal development. Strategic improvements require stronger cross-sector collaboration, enhanced officer training, and outcome-based evaluation to ensure reading genuinely transforms inmates and supports their successful reintegration into society.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

ijcls

Publisher

Subject

Law, Crime, Criminology & Criminal Justice

Description

The Indonesian Journal of Criminal Law Studies (IJCLS) is a peer-reviewed scientific journal that primarily focuses on comparative criminal law. The journal serves as a platform for scholarly discourse and critical analysis of criminal law systems across different ...