Kerobokan Prison Warden Removed Following Drug Discovery

The Kerobokan Class IIA Prison narcotics case has triggered significant action, with Prison Warden Hudi Ismono immediately suspended following a Directorate General of Corrections (Ditjen PAS) inspection that uncovered narcotics, mobile phones, and alcohol within the facility. Ditjen PAS has vowed to take strict action, including criminal prosecution, against any staff proven to be involved in narcotics trafficking within the prison. Decky Nurmansyah, Head of Ditjen PAS Bali Regional Office, stated that the suspension followed a comprehensive inspection by Ditjen PAS officials. ‘We suspended the prison warden after the inspection; he is currently under investigation,’ Decky said when confirmed on Sunday, 24 May 2026. Decky added that investigations are ongoing, and details of evidence or suspected staff involvement cannot yet be disclosed. ‘Evidence and proof of staff involvement will be released in an official Ditjen PAS press statement,’ he said. He emphasised that leadership will not tolerate staff involvement in narcotics trafficking within the prison. ‘Leadership will take strict action, including criminal prosecution, for staff proven to be involved,’ he stressed. The case was uncovered following a comprehensive inspection conducted by Ditjen PAS’s Security and Intelligence Directorate on 20 May 2026 at around 2:00 AM WITA. The inspection was led directly by the Security and Intelligence Director after coordination with the Bali Regional Office of Ditjen PAS. During the inspection, officers searched the prison premises and inmates, uncovering various prohibited items including narcotics, mobile phones, and alcohol. Following the search, Ditjen PAS coordinated with Bali Police on the same day at around 5:00 PM WITA. Bali Police then dispatched the Narcotics Crime Investigation Directorate to receive the report and evidence from Ditjen PAS. Investigations and case development are ongoing. Teams from Ditjen PAS’s Security and Intelligence Directorate, Internal Compliance Directorate, Bali Police, and local police districts are currently deepening the inquiry. Additionally, Ditjen PAS has coordinated with the National Narcotics Agency (BNN) for further investigation into the findings of the Kerobokan Prison narcotics case. ‘Further results will be released once investigations and developments are complete. The joint task force is currently working, and findings will be announced collectively,’ a Ditjen PAS statement said. The case has once again highlighted concerns over supervision at Kerobokan Prison, which has long been associated with illicit goods trafficking. The public now awaits whether the case will end with the warden’s suspension or escalate into criminal proceedings against implicated individuals.