Drug Trafficker Ko Erwin Aided by Two Accomplices Whilst Attempting to Flee to Malaysia
TANGERANG – Major drug trafficker Erwin Iskandar bin Iskandar, commonly known as Ko Erwin, has been arrested whilst allegedly attempting to flee to Malaysia via maritime routes through Tanjung Balai, North Sumatra. In his escape attempt, he reportedly received assistance from two suspects identified as A and R.
According to Kevin Leleury, Head of the Criminal Investigation Directorate’s Drug Crime Task Force (Kasatgas NIC Dittipidnarkoba), the two suspects played a role in arranging Ko Erwin’s escape whilst he held wanted person (DPO) status.
“Their role was to arrange for this wanted individual to flee to Malaysia and to assist the wanted person’s escape,” stated Leleury at Terminal 1C of Soekarno-Hatta Airport in Tangerang on Friday, 27 February 2026.
Ko Erwin and the two other suspects have now been transferred to the Criminal Investigation Directorate for further interrogation. Regarding seized evidence, including cash, Leleury stated that details would be provided in a subsequent official statement.
The Criminal Investigation Directorate took over the pursuit of Erwin Iskandar from local authorities. Brigadier General Eko Hadi Santoso, Director of Narcotics Crime at the Criminal Investigation Directorate, confirmed the takeover on Thursday, 26 February 2026.
Erwin has been designated as a wanted person under DPO number DPO/23/II/RES.4.2./2026/Dittipidnarkoba. He faces charges under Article 609 paragraph (2) of Law Number 1 of 2023 concerning the Criminal Code, as amended by Law Number 1 of 2026 on Penal Adjustment.
The takeover of the pursuit occurred amidst an investigation into alleged narcotics possession charges involving former Bima City Police Chief AKBP Didik Putra Kuncoro. Ko Erwin’s name appeared in a statement dated 18 February 2025 made by Didik, who identified Erwin and another trafficker identified as B (alias Boy) as having transferred approximately 2.8 billion rupiah to the former Head of the Narcotics Unit at Bima City Police, AKP Malaungi.