From Behind Bars to the People’s Stage: Nato Band & Music Daul Pamekasan Prison Rocks Thousands of Pamekasan Residents

Pamekasan, 25 January 2025 – Class IIA Pamekasan Prison inmates appeared confident and successfully entertained around 5,000 Pamekasan residents through the performance of the Nato Band and typical Madurese daul music in a series of Healthy Walk (JJS) activities held by Pamekasan Young Journalists (JMP) together with the Nutrition Fulfillment Service Unit (SPPG) throughout Pamekasan Regency.

The activity, which was held to commemorate National Nutrition Day as well as being part of the inauguration of the JMP management for the 2025–2027 period, was centered in Arek Lancor, Pamekasan Regency, and was lively with thousands of participants from various elements, ranging from SPPG workers, students, medical personnel, to the general public.

On this occasion, 7 prisoners who were members of the Nato Band performed a number of songs confidently. The performance continued with daul music played by 16 inmates, presenting a typical Madurese nuance which successfully amazed and entertained thousands of residents who crowded the activity location.

The Head of Pamekasan Prison, Syukron Hamdani, said that the involvement of prisoners in this activity was part of personality development and potential development.

“Through arts and cultural development, we encourage prisoners to continue working and build self-confidence. This performance proves that they are able to provide positive entertainment for society,” said Syukron Hamdani.

Head of Pamekasan Young Journalists, Luthfiadi, expressed his gratitude for the participation of Pamekasan Prison inmates in enlivening this activity.

“We would like to express our gratitude for the participation of the Pamekasan Prison inmates who participated in enlivening this Healthy Walk. Their appearance really added to the excitement of the event,” he said.

One of the prisoners involved in the performance, Pradana (28), a criminal convict, admitted that he was proud and grateful to be able to appear in front of thousands of people.

“I am happy and proud to be able to appear outside the prison and entertain the community. Activities like this make us more confident and motivated to continue to change for the better,” he said.

Meanwhile, one of the visitors, Isti (32), admitted that he enjoyed the inmates’ performance.

“The event was really exciting. The band was fun, the traditional music was also Madurese. I didn’t expect the performance to be that cool and make the atmosphere even more lively,” he said.

Through this activity, Pamekasan Prison, East Java Regional Office of the Directorate General of Corrections, hopes that the self-confidence, creativity and skills of prisoners will continue to develop as part of the positive development and provision process for social reintegration. **(FN)

This article also appeared on VRITIMES