Air Force Denies Involvement in Tramadol Trafficking Outside Pondok Gede Headquarters

JAKARTA — The Indonesian Air Force (TNI AU) has denied any institutional or personnel involvement in alleged illegal hard drug transactions involving tramadol outside its Satuan Rekonstruksi (Military Reconstruction Unit) headquarters on Jalan Raya Pondok Gede, Lubang Buaya, Cipayung, East Jakarta.

The clarification follows circulation of a viral social media video alleging unauthorised tramadol sales using cash-on-delivery (COD) methods across from the Air Force headquarters.

“The Indonesian Air Force reaffirms that neither the institution nor any Air Force personnel have any connection whatsoever to the alleged illegal hard drug transaction activities at the location mentioned in the video,” stated Air Force Chief of Public Information Marsekal Pertama I Nyoman Saudyana on Monday (16 March 2024).

However, the presence of military vehicles at the location was unrelated to the alleged transaction activities. Rather, the personnel involved were heading to a nearby beverage vendor to purchase drinks, Nyoman clarified.

According to him, the video uploaded by the account holder was actually drawing attention to alleged drug transactions in the vicinity of the Air Force unit location. However, this assumption does not align with the facts.

“The Air Force does not tolerate any form of legal violations, including the distribution of hard drugs without authorisation,” Nyoman stated.

In this regard, the Air Force fully supports law enforcement efforts in combating unauthorised hard drug distribution that harms society. He added that the Air Force is committed to maintaining professionalism, integrity, and public trust in carrying out its duty of service to the nation and state.

A viral video was uploaded to Instagram by the “Netizen Representative Body” account with the title “Crazy!! Tramadol Mafia COD Operations in Front of TNI AU Pondok Gede Headquarters”. The video shows the recorder arriving on a motorcycle, suddenly stopping whilst sounding the horn in front of an iced tea vendor located across from the Satuan Rekonstruksi TNI AU headquarters. Without hesitation, the video recorder warned a young man standing directly behind the iced tea vendor.