Narcotics Found in Kerobokan Prison, Chief Suspended

A narcotics trafficking network has been uncovered within Kerobokan Class IIA Correctional Facility in Bali. The surprising discovery followed a surprise inspection (sidak) conducted by the Directorate of Security and Intelligence (Ditpamintel) of the Directorate General of Corrections (Ditjenpas) at 2:00 AM WITA on Wednesday, 20 May 2026.

During the covert operation, officers found various narcotics, smoking paraphernalia (bongs), mobile phones, and alcoholic beverages in inmate housing blocks. The discovery of contraband at Bali’s largest prison led to the suspension of its top official.

Kerobokan Prison Chief Hudi Ismono has been officially suspended to facilitate the investigation. Bali Ditjenpas Regional Head Decky Nurmansyah clarified conflicting reports regarding Hudi’s status.

“We confirm he has not been fired; he has been suspended for investigation purposes,” Decky stated when questioned on Sunday (24 May 2026).

Decky added that Hudi Ismono, along with several staff and prison officers, is currently undergoing intensive questioning. The investigation is being conducted by the Director of Security and Intelligence and the Director of Internal Compliance of Ditjenpas, with assistance from Bali Police.

Hudi Ismono has served as Kerobokan Prison Chief since 22 January 2025. Since his appointment until this May’s Ditpamintel inspection, no large-scale narcotics raids had been conducted at the facility.

Following the search, Ditjenpas immediately reported the findings to Bali Police on the same day around 5:00 PM. The Director of Bali Police’s Narcotics Investigation Unit received the evidence for further case development.

Although evidence has been secured, Decky Nurmansyah declined to specify the total weight and types of narcotics seized. “The relevant authorities are still conducting in-depth investigations; details will be provided later,” he said.

To dismantle the narcotics trafficking network at its source, Ditjenpas has coordinated with the National Narcotics Agency (BNN RI). This move aims to conduct extensive investigations at Kerobokan Prison, which has repeatedly drawn public scrutiny over illicit drug activities.

The public now awaits decisive action from authorities to cleanse the corrections system of narcotics networks, given recurring similar incidents at Kerobokan Prison.