PERSPECTIVE: Prison Isn’t What You Think!

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Perspective

Prison Isn’t What You Think! Here’s What I Learned

What’s the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear the word prison? Do you feel scared and think, “What did they do to end up there?” Or maybe you’re curious to know what life behind bars is really like?

To be honest, prison isn’t always as terrifying as it’s made out to be.

I recently had the opportunity to conduct research at a women’s prison, and it truly shifted my perspective. Before visiting, I imagined a harsh, intimidating place, mostly because the media often portrays prisons as full of dangerous criminals: murderers, robbers, and so on. But once I stepped inside, I realized it wasn’t quite like that.

Here’s the truth: not everyone in prison has committed serious or violent crimes. During my research, I found that many of the inmates were women involved in non-violent offenses, especially drug-related cases. Women engaging in criminal activity isn’t exactly new, but it was eye-opening to see how even well-educated or respected women could end up in prison. And this isn’t just something that happens in Indonesia, it happens all over the world.

One of the biggest challenges for anyone who has been in prison is reintegrating into society. Whether it’s a men’s or women’s facility, that struggle is real. But let me say this clearly, prison isn’t as bad or scary as people often assume. If you’ve never been inside or met someone who’s served time, it’s easy to judge. But don’t rush to conclusions.

In my view, prison is like a “social school” for people who’ve made mistakes. It’s not a place where you can just do whatever you want. Everything is regulated, and you live under rules based on the choices that brought you there. From what I’ve seen, prison also serves as a place for second chances, a place where the system tries to help people rebuild their lives and break the cycle of crime.

It’s not all gloom and punishment, either. Many women’s prisons now offer support systems like breastfeeding rooms, play areas for children, and access to psychologists for mental health support. It shows that the goal isn’t just punishment, it’s also rehabilitation.

One thing that truly moved me during my fieldwork was meeting the prison staff. They were kind, respectful, and incredibly understanding. It takes a special kind of compassion to work in that environment, supporting people who are going through some of the toughest periods of their lives. And honestly, unless you have a reason to look closer, most people never think about what prison life is really like.

So here’s what I’ve learned: prison isn’t a terrifying dungeon. Sure, the security is strict, but at its core, it’s a place where people are given a chance to learn from their mistakes and start over. That’s my perspective.

Warm regards :b