Remote Area Teacher Allowance Allegedly Embezzled, Bima Education Official Named Suspect
Special allowances for teachers in remote areas have allegedly been embezzled. The Special Criminal Investigation Directorate (Ditreskrimsus) of the West Nusa Tenggara Regional Police has designated the Head of Teacher Affairs (Kabid PTK) at the Bima District Education, Culture and Sports Office, identified as IR, as a suspect for alleged illegal levies (pungli) and extortion.
Ditreskrimsus Commander Kombes FX Endriadi stated that IR is suspected of extorting recipients of the Special Remote Area Teacher Allowance (TKGDT) in Tambora District, Bima Regency.
“We have named Ms IR as a suspect in alleged corruption, extortion and illegal levy offences against elementary school teachers receiving the special remote area allowance in Tambora District, Bima Regency,” said Endriadi on Friday (27 February 2026).
Endriadi explained that the extortion practice occurred from 2019 to 2025. Eighteen elementary school teachers recorded as allowance recipients fell victim.
In each disbursement, IR allegedly demanded between Rp 500,000 to Rp 1 million. Deductions were made when allowances were distributed, either monthly or quarterly.
“From preliminary examination results, (TKGDT deductions) occurred monthly and quarterly,” he stated.
The suspect designation was made after investigators from the Anti-Corruption Subdivision of Ditreskrimsus obtained at least two pieces of valid evidence and formally launched the case.
Investigators have examined 24 witnesses and secured various documents. “From our investigation, we found evidence of money transfers from teachers receiving allowances being handed over to IR as Head of Teacher Affairs at the Bima District Education Office,” he revealed.
According to Endriadi, the teachers handed over money because they felt pressured. They feared that subsequent allowance tranches would not be disbursed if IR’s demands were not met.
“The teachers felt compelled to hand over funds, owing to concerns that they would not receive the special allowance in subsequent phases,” he stated.
Sub-division Head of Anti-Corruption at Ditreskrimsus AKBP Muhaemin disclosed additional findings from the investigation.
“Ms IR prepared two special bank accounts to receive deposits from teachers receiving the remote area allowance,” said Muhaemin.
The investigation is ongoing. Investigators continue to trace the flow of funds received by IR and are exploring the possibility of other parties being involved.
“And we are exploring the possibility that other parties were also involved in this case,” he concluded.