<![CDATA[Interpersonal communication is a crucial aspect of the rehabilitation process; through open, empathetic, and supportive communication, officers can build trust, which in turn fosters inmate engagement in rehabilitation programs. This study aims to analyze the issues arising during the implementation of rehabilitation programs for narcotics offenders and to examine the role of interpersonal communication between officers and these inmates in enhancing the quality of rehabilitation at the Class IIB Muara Bungo Correctional Institution. A descriptive qualitative research approach was employed. Data were collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews, observation, and document analysis involving correctional officers and narcotics inmates, and subsequently analyzed using Joseph A. DeVito’s interpersonal communication theory. The results indicate that the implementation of rehabilitation has not been without obstacles. Identified issues include psychological barriers among inmates such as anxiety, awkwardness, and irritability during the early stages of their sentences as well as structural barriers, including the imbalance between the number of officers and inmates, overcrowding, "sterile hours" (restricted movement periods), and shift systems. Additionally, facility-related limitations affected participation, particularly in self-reliance training programs. Despite these constraints, the five qualities of interpersonal communication: openness, empathy, supportiveness, a positive attitude, and equality were applied through a humanistic "parent-child" approach, non-violent reprimands, and the use of local dialects. Interpersonal communication played a role in helping officers understand inmates' conditions, fostering trust and a sense of comfort, boosting motivation and participation, and reaching out to disengaged inmates. However, this role has not yet been fully effective across the board, as openness has not been established with all inmates, and the impact on self-reliance training remains limited. Therefore, there is a need for adequate time and space for personal communication, special attention toward passive inmates, mental health support, and the strengthening of rehabilitation facilities, ensuring that the quality of rehabilitation does not rely solely on the discretion of individual officers. Keywords: Interpersonal Communication, Quality of Rehabilitation, Narcotics Inmates, Correctional Officers, Class IIB Muara Bungo Correctional Facility]]>
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