Bareskrim States Ko Erwin Is Narcotics Recidivist

JAKARTA — Brigadier General Eko Hadi Santoso, Director of Narcotics Crime at the Criminal Investigation Directorate (Bareskrim Polri) of the Indonesian National Police, has disclosed that narcotics suspect Erwin bin Iskandar, alias Ko Erwin, is a recidivist.

Eko stated that Ko Erwin had previously been convicted in a narcotics case in 2018 in Makassar.

“Yes, he is a recidivist because Erwin was previously convicted in 2018 in Makassar,” Eko said when met at the Bareskrim Polri building in Jakarta on Friday, 27 February 2026.

Ko Erwin had been listed as a wanted person (DPO) before finally being apprehended by the Bareskrim team when he allegedly attempted to flee to Malaysia via illegal maritime routes.

“Anyone may assert their rights, but that requires proof, and this case has not yet achieved legal finality. A person is only declared guilty once sentenced by a court, so every person is equal before the law, yes?” Eko said.

“Everyone has the right to equal treatment under the law to present their defence,” he added.

Ko Erwin is now being held at the Bareskrim Polri building after being arrested in the North Sumatra region whilst attempting to escape to Malaysia.

“Evidence seized includes cash totalling Rp4,800,000, Malaysian ringgit 20,000 in cash, one TAG Heuer watch and one Samsung mobile phone,” Eko said.

These items were secured when the suspect was attempting to enter Malaysian territorial jurisdiction.

Erwin was apprehended on Thursday, 26 February 2026 at approximately 13:30 Western Indonesia Time in the Pematang Silo area, Silo Laut District, Asahan Regency, North Sumatra.

Investigators will also examine the possibility of fund flows connected to narcotics trafficking networks and potential money laundering offences (TPPU).