Empowering Prison Industries through Digital Transformation: Leveraging e-Marketplaces to Expand Inmate Product Sales

Prison labor programs have long been integral to inmate rehabilitation, providing individuals with the opportunity to develop valuable skills while contributing to the economy. However, these programs often face significant limitations due to restricted market access, with inmate-produced goods typically confined to local buyers or niche markets. This study explores the potential of integrating e-marketplaces into Indonesian prison labor programs to expand market reach, generate sustainable revenue, and enhance rehabilitation outcomes. This study also uses a qualitative approach, data were collected from 3 (three) prisons: Kayu Agung Prison, Madiun Prison, and Cipinang Prison through semi-structured interviews and field observations. The study involved 14 (fourteen) respondents, consisting of 9 (nine) correctional officers, 3 (three) inmates, and 2 (two) consumers. The findings reveal that while prison labor programs produce high-quality products, logistical and digital infrastructure challenges hinder their ability to scale through e-commerce platforms. Correctional facilities can increase economic output and provide inmates with skills that align with modern labor market demands. The study concludes that e-marketplaces offer a transformative opportunity for prison industries in Indonesia, enabling greater economic empowerment and facilitating successful reintegration into society