Coordinating Minister for Politics and Security Mentions Former General-Turned-Drug Trafficker Who Received Datuk Title

JAKARTA — Coordinating Minister for Politics and Security (Menko Polkam), retired TNI General Djamari Chaniago, has publicly criticised the bestowal of a Datuk title upon a general who allegedly became involved in a major drug trafficking case.

Djamari raised this matter during a speech at the Indonesian National Police Staff and Leadership School (Sespim Lemdiklat Polri) on Monday, 9 March 2026.

During the event, a customary leader had offered Djamari a Datuk title following his appointment as Menko Polkam. Djamari responded by challenging the leader’s judgment in selecting recipients for the honour.

“I told him, ‘Did you not know that you made a grave mistake in choosing someone to be a Datuk?’” Djamari stated.

“Why was it a mistake? Because you bestowed the title of Datuk upon a General, and he turned out to be the mastermind behind drug trafficking. So would you now equate me with a drug trafficker?’ He fell silent,” Djamari continued.

Djamari’s sharp questioning and implied criticism caused the customary leader’s face to redden.

“I asked him, ‘How could you appoint someone to be a Datuk without knowing his background?’” Djamari said. “Datuk is an honourable title in Minangkabau customary tradition. Didn’t you yourself destroy that tradition?’”

The incident occurred during Djamari’s attendance at the police training institution event.

Djamari did not identify the specific general he was referring to. However, according to Kompas.com’s records, there was an Inspector General (Irjen) who received a Datuk title from Minangkabau communities. This individual was bestowed the title Tuanku Bandaro Alam Sati.