Aceh – Indonesia, Meulaboh (Waspada Aceh) – The Class IIB Meulaboh Correctional Facility has denied allegations of interference and abuse of power by the prison warden regarding the management of the prison’s cooperative and canteen.
This clarification was issued following statements from a non-governmental organization calling on the Minister of Immigration and Correctional Affairs to investigate the claims.
Head of Class IIB Meulaboh Correctional Facility, Tendi Kustendi, in Meulaboh, Saturday (3/10/2026), emphasized that all managerial decisions were based on the responsibility to maintain security and order, prevent potential security disruptions, and ensure fair services for inmates.
“Regarding the alleged intervention in the Lamo Metuah Syariah Cooperative, we state that the change in management was an internal dynamic arising from the aspirations and decisions of the cooperative members,” he said.
According to him, he attended the cooperative meeting in his capacity as a patron and only delivered opening remarks.
During the meeting, the proposal for management replacement was raised by attending members and subsequently approved by approximately 70 percent of those present. The new board was then elected by acclamation without objection.
The prison authorities also rejected claims that their canteen management policy was baseless. Evaluation and reshuffling of the canteen management were carried out following several complaints from inmates and feedback from prison officers.
These complaints included policies such as refusing plastic bags for purchases under IDR 50,000, setting a minimum coffee purchase of IDR 7,000, as well as issues regarding food prices and hot water charges.
The prison facility also noted complaints about the cashier’s arrogant behavior, which almost sparked anger among inmates. The situation was successfully diffused by the Head of the Prison Security Unit (Ka KPLP) alongside the Guard Commander.
Furthermore, prison officials mentioned complaints regarding inconsistent pricing between different cashiers.
Regarding the transition of the canteen operator, the prison management stated that it had facilitated several meetings between the former and prospective operators on September 16, 24, 26, and 28, 2026.
The meetings were aimed at resolving the remaining operational period and compensation orderly. However, the operational handover scheduled for October 1, 2026, was not executed as previously agreed.
In its clarification, the prison management also highlighted internal support for the canteen management overhaul. Out of 64 employees, about 85 percent reportedly signed a petition of support. The management affirmed that this support was given voluntarily and without coercion, pressure, or intimidation.
Addressing calls for oversight, Class IIB Meulaboh Correctional Facility stated that it respects the right of any party to submit criticisms, reports, or complaints to the relevant authorities.
The facility also declared its readiness to provide data, documents, timelines, and necessary statements should an inspection, monitoring, clarification, or evaluation be conducted by the Regional Office of the Aceh Directorate General of Corrections or authorized central leadership. (*)
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