BNN Denies Arrest of 10 Indonesian Nationals Positive for Drugs from Bangkok Linked to Hipmi Chairmanship Candidate

The National Narcotics Agency (BNN) has taken action against ten Indonesian nationals (WNI) who tested positive for drugs at Soekarno-Hatta Airport. BNN has dismissed speculation suggesting the ten individuals were part of a group of chairmanship candidates (caketum) for the Indonesian Young Entrepreneurs Association (Hipmi).

Head of Public Relations and Protocol Bureau of BNN, Brigadier General Putu Putera Sadana, stated that the agency was solely conducting drug law enforcement. "All actions by BNN and other relevant agencies are professional law enforcement efforts, unrelated to the circulating news," said Brigadier General Putu on Wednesday (10/6/2026).

He stressed that the action against the Indonesian nationals returning from Bangkok, Thailand, was purely a legal measure. BNN was at the time developing a case following the arrest of two Russian nationals who had brought hashish from Thailand some time ago. "Yes, (it is purely case development)," he said.

Today, the XVIII National Congress (Munas) of the Indonesian Young Entrepreneurs Association is held in Lampung. Four chairmanship candidates attended the congress. The congress is being held to elect a new leadership to replace Chairman for the 2022-2026 period, Akbar Himawan Buchari. The four candidates for the 2026-2030 period are Reynaldo Bryan, Ade Jona Prasetyo, Afi Kalla, and Anthony Leong.

Secretary General of Hipmi for the 2022-2026 period, Anggawira, confirmed that all four candidates were present at the congress. He stated the four candidates were in good health and fit. "All are present, healthy and fit," said Anggawira when contacted. He then denied reports that one of the candidates had been caught in a suspected drug case by BNN, insisting the news was untrue. "It is a hoax, agitation and propaganda," he said. Anggawira emphasised that all four are participating in the congress process, with the election to be held after the adoption of the articles of association and bylaws. The XVIII Hipmi National Congress is being held on 10-11 June 2026 at the Novotel, Bandar Lampung, under the theme "Synergy of Young Entrepreneurs to Build National Economic Strength". The event is attended by more than 2,000 participants including members of the Red and White Cabinet, Hipmi functionaries, and former Chairmen of Hipmi.