BLITAR – The annual Blitar prison iftar at Blitar Class IIb Prison created an emotional reunion as inmates broke their fast with family members during Ramadan, offering a rare moment of closeness behind prison walls.
The gathering took place on Tuesday afternoon inside the prison complex in Blitar. Dozens of inmates waited in the main hall before families were allowed to enter for the scheduled visit.
Wearing blue and orange prison uniforms, inmates began gathering before 3 p.m. local time. Prison officers allowed family members to enter about an hour later, shortly before sunset.
Because of limited space inside the facility, each inmate could receive only three relatives. Families met inmates in the main hall, while some visitors also used the courtyard as the crowd grew larger.
Many families embraced their relatives as soon as they met. Some brought home-cooked meals in stacked food containers filled with favorite dishes prepared for the breaking of the fast.
One inmate convicted in a narcotics case received a warm embrace from his wife moments after she arrived. The family spent the waiting time talking quietly and sharing stories before the evening call to prayer.
When iftar began, the atmosphere turned visibly warmer. Children, wives, and parents fed inmates while conversations filled the hall that usually serves as a sports area.
Prison officers, however, limited the shared meal to around 15 minutes. Several families asked for extra time, but officers kept the schedule unchanged.
After the meal ended, officers directed inmates back to their cells. Some inmates immediately prepared for the Maghrib prayer, while relatives left the prison compound.
Romi Novitrion, head of the prison, said the program forms part of the institution’s social reintegration effort.
“This family iftar program supports social integration. It helps inmates and their families strengthen each other while preparing inmates for release,” he said.
According to Romi, the initiative also reflects the restorative justice approach outlined in Indonesia’s legal framework.
He said prison authorities organize the Ramadan gathering every year and hope it encourages inmates to continue following rehabilitation programs.
“We hope inmates and their families can support each other. This moment allows them to ease their longing by meeting loved ones,” he said.