PEMBERDAYAAN EKONOMI OLEH PEMBIMBING KEMASYARAKATAN TERHADAP KLIEN DEWASA MELALUI BUDIDAYA LELE DI BALAI PEMASYARAKATAN KELAS II PEKALONGAN

Abstract

Economic empowerment is an important strategy in correctional client guidance because economic independence is closely related to successful social reintegration and the prevention of reoffending. This study analysed the process of economic empowerment through catfish farming carried out by Community Corrections Officers (Pembimbing Kemasyarakatan/PK) for adult clients at the Class II Pekalongan Correctional Centre (Bapas), and identified the obstacles encountered and the efforts made to overcome them. A descriptive qualitative approach was used with purposive informant selection. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with six informants (one PK, three adult clients, one Bapas coordinator, and one client's family member) on 7–10 July 2026, complemented by non-participant observation and documentation. The data were analysed with the interactive model of Miles and Huberman, source, technique, and time triangulation, and interpreted through Jim Ife's five dimensions of empowerment: access, participation, control, capacity, and independence. The findings show that empowerment proceeds in stages: needs assessment, programme design, motivation, training and hands-on practice from pond preparation to harvest, periodic monitoring and evaluation, and cooperation with third parties. Participation and capacity were well achieved and access was moderately achieved, whereas control and independence remain suboptimal because no client yet runs an independent business or earns a tangible income. Public stigma and limited capital were the most dominant obstacles, each mentioned by five of six informants. The PK's efforts are well directed but are not yet supported by a structured post-guidance mentoring mechanism. This study therefore proposes a Partnership-Based Sustainable Post-Guidance Economic Mentoring Programme (P2EB-K).