BLITAR – Blitar Prison extortion scandal has escalated after authorities moved to impose severe disciplinary sanctions on three correctional officers accused of collecting illegal fees worth Rp 60 million. The case has triggered an internal crackdown within the East Java corrections system.

Officials have removed the three officers, including the prison’s head of security, identified as ADK, from their posts since April 27. The East Java Regional Office of the Directorate General of Corrections has reassigned them for further investigation.

Meanwhile, Acting Regional Office Head Ulin Nuha said his team immediately launched an internal audit after confirming the allegations. In addition, investigators conducted a detailed inspection at Class IIB Blitar Prison to gather evidence.

“We issued an official order to remove ADK and two security officers, RJ and W, and transferred them to the regional office for questioning,” he said on Monday (May 4).

Ulin confirmed that both regional investigators and the Internal Compliance Unit (Patnal) from the central office are handling the case. He stressed that the alleged violations severely damage institutional integrity.

“The regional office has proposed heavy disciplinary sanctions. The final decision rests with the central inspectorate,” he said.

He added that the move reflects a zero-tolerance policy under the newly appointed Minister of Immigration and Corrections. Authorities aim to enforce strict discipline and restore public trust in the correctional system.

“We remain fully committed to taking firm action against any misconduct. There is no room for compromise,” Ulin said.

Blitar Prison chief Iswandi said he respects the decision taken by regional authorities. He expressed confidence that leadership will choose the best course of action for the institution.

“We trust the leadership’s decision and will fully comply,” he said.

Iswandi outlined the possible penalties under Indonesia’s civil service regulations. Authorities can remove the officers from their positions, demote them, dismiss them with honor, or terminate them without honor (PTDH).

Despite losing three key personnel in the security division, Iswandi said the prison remains stable. He appointed an acting head of security to maintain the chain of command and reassigned staff to ensure daily operations continue without disruption.

“We have filled the roles on an interim basis, and operations remain under control,” he added.

The scandal surfaced on April 23 when three inmates convicted of corruption reported the alleged extortion during a morning exercise session. They said officers demanded money in exchange for allowing cell doors in Block D1 to remain open until evening prayers.

The officers initially requested Rp 100 million but later reduced the demand to Rp 60 million after negotiations with the inmates’ families. Authorities transferred the three officers to Surabaya on April 27, marking the start of a formal investigation.