Jakarta (ANTARA) – Minister of Creative Economy Teuku Riefky Harsya said the ministry aims to expand the development of creative talents among correctional inmates to help them acquire skills that will be useful when they return to society.”Because we know that inmates engage in various activities that are intended to help them when they return to society. So perhaps we can collaborate in areas such as music, film, and other sectors,” Harsya told reporters after an audience with the Minister of Immigration and Corrections here on Tuesday.Riefky said the collaboration would be carried out with the Ministry of Immigration and Corrections to identify creative skills among inmates that can be developed both during their time in correctional facilities and after their release.Previously, last year, the Ministry of Creative Economy also undertook a similar initiative for inmates at Merauke Correctional Facility, involving Elpama Prison, a rap and hip-hop group consisting of inmates there, which has been able to channel creativity and musical works from behind bars.”At that time, we taught them how to make music videos and how to monetize their singing abilities so they could go viral on YouTube or be featured on Spotify,” he said.Minister of Immigration and Corrections Agus Andrianto said the ministry welcomes the opportunity for cooperation to develop and nurture creative talents among inmates in correctional institutions.Andrianto said inmate development programs will be supported through job training activities and by providing access to selected creative events for inmates undergoing mentoring.”We also welcome cooperation in developing inmates in correctional facilities through job training and certain events that can eventually help produce creative individuals currently undergoing rehabilitation in correctional institutions across Indonesia,” Andrianto said.He added that this step also aims to support inmates’ independence toward a new, more productive life and economic empowerment.