Army Explains Contents of Viral Video of Soldier Buying Drugs
Head of Army Information Service, Brigadier General Donny Pramono, has explained the contents of a video circulating on social media alleging that a TNI soldier was transacting to buy drugs. According to Donny, the footage that is circulating is a combination of two separate incidents that are not related to each other.
He explained that in the majority of the video in the initial part, which shows footage of a TNI soldier meeting a man, both were indeed carrying out a drug purchase transaction. The soldier in the video is known to hold the rank of Corporal One with the initials YP. He is assigned to the Army Equipment Centre or Puspalad.
According to Donny, YP has admitted to making the purchase and consuming drugs. This admission is also supported by a urine test that showed positive results. “The individual in question is currently detained at his unit to be processed in accordance with the applicable legal provisions within the TNI environment,” said Donny in a written statement on Friday, 27 March 2026.
Meanwhile, he continued, the viral video clip at the end, which shows an official vehicle belonging to the Army Strategic Reserve Command or Kostrad along with its driver, Sergeant One Laode, is a separate incident. Laode claimed that his presence at the location recorded by the camera in the video was to visit a friend’s house.
According to Laode’s admission, said Donny, his activities at that time were not related to YP’s activities at the beginning of the video clip. “Nevertheless, further examinations are being conducted internally and if in the future any indications of violations are found, they will be processed in accordance with the applicable legal provisions,” said Donny.
He emphasised that YP’s actions in buying and consuming drugs are conduct by a member that does not reflect the attitude or values of soldiery that should be upheld. The Army, Donny claimed, is fully committed to efforts to eradicate drugs and will not tolerate any form of violations committed by soldiers.
He also urged the public to be wise in responding to and disseminating information. He asked the public to first confirm it with the relevant agencies to avoid causing misunderstandings in society. “We thank and also urge the public to be wise in responding to and disseminating information,” he said.
Previously, a video circulated recording a man wearing camouflage uniform sitting with someone wearing a white shirt. The two appeared to be transacting. The man in the distinctive TNI uniform then stood up and was recorded putting on a helmet.
After the clip of the man putting on the helmet, the video continued to show a car with the number plate one star 10867-01. The recording ended as a man was seen getting out of the vehicle.