Acting as a Protector in Exchange for Funds: Former Narcotics Unit Chief in Kubar Charged with Money Laundering

The Narcotics Crime Investigation Directorate of the Indonesian National Police (Bareskrim Polri) has announced the arrest of AKP Deky Jonatan Sasiang, the former Head of the Narcotics Unit at the Kubar Police, on Monday (18/5/2026). Following his arrest, he has been officially dismissed from the police force.

Brigadier General Eko Hadi Santoso stated that the arrest was conducted by a joint team from the Narcotics Crime Investigation Directorate. The investigation reveals that AKP Deky is suspected of involvement in money laundering (TPPU), having allegedly received fund flows from narcotics businesses operated by the Ishak syndicate in the West Kutai region, East Kalimantan.

Beyond merely receiving funds, AKP Deky is suspected of playing an active role in ensuring that these illegal business practices could operate safely within his jurisdiction. He allegedly acted as a ‘protector’ or ‘beking’ for the drug distribution network led by Ishak and his associates.

While the total amount of funds received by AKP Deky has not yet been disclosed, he has been taken to Bareskrim Polri for further interrogation. The National Police have officially taken over the investigation of the Ishak syndicate case to uncover a larger network that is suspected of involving other police personnel. The narcotics case was initially uncovered by the Melak Police Station on 11 February 2026, but the involvement of high-ranking officers prompted Bareskrim Polri to assume control of the investigation.