Inside the World’s Toughest Prisons season 7, episode 3 recap: “Bali: The Brainwashing prison”

The harsh realities of Bali’s criminal justice system come to light in the season 7 episode of Netflix’s Inside the World’s Toughest Prisons titled “Bali: The Brainwashing prison.” In this exploration, journalist Raphael Rowe delves into the stigmatization of drug offenders, the overcrowded prison conditions, and the controversial tactics employed to rehabilitate inmates.

Inside the World’s Toughest Prisons season 7, episode 3 recap: The stigma and severity of drug offenses

Inside the World’s Toughest Prisons reveals how Bali holds a notorious reputation for its severe penalties for drug offenses, with some offenders facing the death penalty. Raphael Rowe, the host, who himself spent 12 years wrongly incarcerated, sheds light on the consequences faced by those caught in the web of Bali’s legal system.

Weed offenses, seemingly less severe, still lead to lengthy sentences, contributing to the overpopulation of prisons. Lapas Narkotika Bangli, the episode’s focus, stands as a testament to the challenges faced by both inmates and the prison staff.

Rowe undergoes the customary strip search, a recurring element of the series, highlighting the dehumanizing nature of the prison environment. Urine inspections for drugs, particularly crystal meth or shabu, are routine procedures.

The overcrowded conditions within the prison are revealed, as Rowe meets inmate Daus and others sharing a cramped space meant for 20 men. Privacy is limited, with only a curtain separating the toilet from the rest of the cell.

The inmate named Daus emphasizes the fear of isolation, prompting inmates to behave to avoid being confined to solitary cells.

Inside the World’s Toughest Prisons season 7, episode 3 recap: Pancasila allegiance, rehabilitation programs, incarceration impact on families

Inmates, compelled by the prison system, pledge allegiance to Pancasila, an Indonesian state philosophy. When asked about their well-being, they respond collectively in non-English, emphasizing their commitment to sobriety with the phrase, “No drugs, yes achievement!”

Former inmate Bona, now involved in running the program, shares his journey from addiction to redemption. The intense stigma surrounding addiction is evident, as inmates face lengthy sentences for minor offenses like smoking pot (or, again, possibly the death penalty).

Rowe explores the emotional toll of incarceration as an inmate, sentenced to 8 years for a marijuana-related offense, struggles to admit his situation to his daughter. The prevailing societal stigma adds complexity to the already challenging prison experience.

Rowe participates in Tamping work with Daus, showcasing the efforts made for inmates eligible for early release. These workers may perform various tasks, such as working in the kitchen or crafting Bali boxes.

Inside the World’s Toughest Prisons season 7, episode 3 recap: Impact of stigma on rehabilitation, the human side of inmates

Rowe reflects on the harsh stigma attached to drug offenses and emphasizes the importance of society offering a chance for redemption. The stories of Tolle, imprisoned for selling meth to support his family, and Ruli, serving an extreme sentence for a minor marijuana offense, underscore the need for a more compassionate approach.

Meanwhile on the other side of things, Warden Agus Pritiatno manages a challenging environment with 1,000 prisoners and only 83 guards. He likens the guards to parents and the inmates to children, highlighting the difficulties in maintaining order and rehabilitation within the prison.

Despite the strict environment, Rowe notes instances where inmates are allowed to showcase their talents, such as playing music. Daus for example, plays in a band with the warden supporting such creative outlets as a means of rehabilitation.

Inside the World’s Toughest Prisons season 7 episode 3 provides a gripping insight into the complexities of Bali’s prison system. The harsh penalties, overcrowded conditions, and the efforts made for rehabilitation underscore the need for a more nuanced approach to criminal justice.

As the world watches, the question lingers: Can a system built on stigma and severe punishment truly foster redemption and rehabilitation?

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You can watch Inside the World’s Toughest Prisons season 7 on Netflix!