Director of Narcotics Investigation Suspended and Placed on Special Duty Over Alleged Extortion by NTT Police
The East Nusa Tenggara Police (Polda NTT) has suspended Kombes ATB from his position as Director of Narcotics Investigation following allegations of extortion against two drug trafficking suspects. The suspected extortion involved an estimated Rp375 million and centred on individuals identified as SF and JH, who were allegedly involved in distributing poppers.
According to the Head of Public Relations for Polda NTT, Kombes Henry Novika Chandra, ATB was taken by the Police Professional and Security Division (Divpropam) for questioning on Saturday, 14 March. “The officer has been suspended from his position and placed on special duty (patsus) whilst the investigation is ongoing,” Chandra stated.
Polda NTT has reaffirmed its commitment to institutional integrity by taking firm action against personnel allegedly committing serious violations. This represents part of the broader Police internal reform effort to ensure all personnel discharge their duties professionally, transparently, and with integrity.
The case originated between March and July 2025, when the Narcotics Investigation Directorate of Polda NTT was investigating suspected narcotics offences related to the distribution of illegal poppers. During the investigation, allegations emerged of abuse of authority involving a medium-ranking officer with the initials Kombes ATB, alongside several other investigators.
The officer is alleged to have engaged in extortion against the two suspects using methods including asset negotiations and exploiting the suspects’ detention period. These alleged illegal practices reportedly occurred both in East Java and at the Polda NTT headquarters. The matter has also disrupted ongoing legal proceedings, including the second stage of case file submission to the prosecutor’s office, as one suspect is now listed as a wanted person (DPO).
The Head of Professional Standards at Polda NTT, AKBP Muhammad Andra Wardhana, confirmed that preliminary investigations have been conducted into personnel allegedly involved, and supporting evidence has been gathered, including documentation of alleged financial flows related to the case. Several personnel questioned include AKP HSB, Ipda BB, Aipda OT, Brigpol AI, Briptu LBM, and Bripda JG, whilst financial transaction evidence has been secured.
To ensure objective case handling, Polda NTT is coordinating with Divpropam Polri for further investigation into the medium-ranking officer allegedly involved. Should professional conduct violations be proven under Indonesian National Police Regulation Number 7 of 2022, the officer faces strict sanctions, including dismissal without honour (PTDH).
Kombes Henry Novika Chandra stressed that this firm action demonstrates the Police institution’s seriousness regarding internal reform. “Polda NTT is committed to taking firm action against all personnel violations. Discipline and code of conduct enforcement will be conducted professionally, transparently, and accountably to maintain public trust in the Police,” he stated.
Going forward, Polda NTT will hold a special case conference with Divpropam Polri to determine the legal status of the medium-ranking officer allegedly involved. The public has been urged to remain calm and trust the ongoing legal process. This step is intended to send a clear message that the Police continue to reform and will not tolerate abuse of authority, working towards clean, transparent, and fair law enforcement services in East Nusa Tenggara.