Eradicating Illegal Levies: East Java Prisons Directorate Optimises Complaint Channels

Blitar Prison is tightening supervision to curb illegal levy practices by opening complaint channels for inmates. This mechanism accelerates the detection and handling of suspected violations within the prison environment.

Acting Head of the East Java Regional Office of the Directorate General of Corrections, M. Ulin Nuha, stated that supervision is being strengthened through periodic evaluations and an open reporting system. “There is no tolerance for violations, including the imposition of criminal sanctions on apparatus proven guilty,” Ulin said in a written statement on Thursday (30/4/2026).

He emphasised that the complaint channel is a vital tool for catching indications of deviations from the outset. “The opening of this complaint channel serves as one of the initial momenta to test our commitment,” Ulin added.

Head of Class IIB Blitar Prison, Iswandi, said that reports of suspected illegal levies were received through the complaint channel on the first day of his tenure. The reports were immediately followed up through administrative procedures and reported to the regional office.

Several officers suspected of involvement have been withdrawn to undergo further examination. The examination also covers structural officials to ensure the process is objective and comprehensive.

The Directorate General of Corrections, through its internal compliance function, is delving deeper into the case. Director of Internal Compliance, Lilik Sujandi, stated that the examination process is ongoing, focusing on gathering and verifying evidence.

The strengthening of complaint channels is expected to accelerate supervision while reducing the space for illegal levy practices in prisons and detention centres.