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Recap: 7th World Congress on Probation and Parole, day 3 and 4
Daniel, CEP Vice-President, and Nasir, head of an Indonesian probation and parole office and one of the organisers of the World Congress, reflect on days 3 and 4 of the 7th World Congress on Probation and Parole in Bali, Indonesia.
Nasir shares his perspective on organising the congress, highlighting Indonesia’s recent legal developments and the integration of a new criminal law framework. Hosting the event was both an honour and a challenge, bringing together more than 467 participants from 48 countries. The aim was to showcase progress in probation and parole and to encourage further development in this field worldwide. He expressed his gratitude for the strong international participation and hopes that attendees gained valuable insights to take back to their own countries.
Daniel reflects on the closing ceremony and workshop highlights, describing them as inspiring and powerful. With many parallel sessions, the congress offered a wide range of perspectives and discussions. He also mentions that the next World Congress on Probation and Parole will take place in Latvia in 2028.
A key discussion point during the congress was the idea of establishing a global probation organisation. While regional organisations already exist, there is ongoing debate about whether a worldwide body would add value. Daniel notes that such an initiative could strengthen collaboration, as many countries share common values and challenges in probation and parole work.
On Day 4, participants visited the narcotics prison in Bangli. Daniel and Jo reflect on this visit, noting that although the prison was built for 400 people, it currently houses around 1,000 inmates. This highlights that overcrowding is a global issue, not limited to Europe or the United States. Despite these challenges, they were impressed by the atmosphere in the facility, as well as the friendliness, commitment, and professionalism of the staff.
Nasir confirms that overcrowding remains a significant issue in Indonesia, even in one of the country’s better-equipped prisons like Bangli. Not all facilities have the same level of resources, but there is a strong commitment to making the best use of what is available, with a focus on rehabilitation, reintegration, and positive engagement with inmates.
Link to the English-language video: https://youtu.be/N1IH64ocUW4
for the German version:
day 3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JkMFQIKz7N8
day 4: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vkTrcjF1Zbw
More information about the congress: https://www.wcpp2026.id/
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