East Nusa Tenggara Police Drug Division Head Suspended on Alleged Extortion Charges
The Chief of Police of East Nusa Tenggara, Inspector General Rudi Darmoko, has suspended the Director of Drug Investigation (Dirresnarkoba), Senior Commissioner ATB, and six other members of the Drug Investigation Directorate in a case involving alleged extortion and abuse of authority.
“Yes, that is correct. The Drug Investigation Director has been suspended together with six of his members,” said the Head of Public Relations of the East Nusa Tenggara Police, Senior Commissioner Hemry Novika Chandra, in a statement to CNNIndonesia.com on Saturday (14 March).
Hemry stated that Senior Commissioner ATB’s suspension from office represented a firm step by the East Nusa Tenggara Police Chief to maintain the integrity and reputation of the institution by strictly processing officers suspected of serious violations.
Hemry explained that Senior Commissioner ATB was suspended on suspicion of abusing his authority by extorting two suspects in a health crime case involving the distribution of illegal substances known as poppers. “The officer, together with six investigative personnel, allegedly conducted extortion against two suspects with initials SF and JH, with transaction values reaching 375 million rupiah,” Hemry clarified.
Besides Senior Commissioner ATB, six other Drug Investigation Directorate members who have been suspended include Captain HSB, First Inspector BB, First Inspector OT, Brigadier AI, Lance Brigadier LBM, and Police Private JG.
Hemry stated that the case of extortion and abuse of authority by Senior Commissioner ATB and his six members began between March and July 2025, when the Drug Investigation Directorate of the East Nusa Tenggara Police was developing a case involving alleged health crimes related to the distribution of illegal poppers.
“During the investigation process, allegations of abuse of authority emerged involving a middle-ranking officer with initials ATB (Drug Investigation Director) together with six other members,” said Hemry.
He explained that the alleged illegal practice reportedly occurred through modes of asset negotiation and exploitation of the suspects’ detention period, which took place in East Java regions as well as within the East Nusa Tenggara Police headquarters.
According to Hemry, the East Nusa Tenggara Police will not tolerate any violations committed by its members. “The East Nusa Tenggara Police is committed to taking firm action against any violations committed by officers. The enforcement of discipline and ethical codes is conducted professionally, transparently, and accountably to maintain public trust in the police institution,” he stated.
The East Nusa Tenggara Police also called on the public to remain calm and trust the ongoing legal process. This firm step is expected to send a strong message that the police continue to reform and will not provide space for abuse of authority, in order to realise clean, transparent, and just law enforcement services in the East Nusa Tenggara region.
In a separate statement, the Head of Professional Standards and Security of the East Nusa Tenggara Police, Senior Captain Muhammad Andra Wardhana, emphasised that his office has taken swift action by conducting intensive examinations of all personnel suspected of involvement.
“The Professional Standards division of the East Nusa Tenggara Police has conducted preliminary examinations of personnel suspected of involvement and has gathered supporting evidence, including regarding fund flows allegedly related to this case,” said Senior Captain Muhammad Andra Wardhana.
He explained that preliminary examinations have been conducted against several personnel, namely Captain HSB, First Inspector BB, First Inspector OT, Brigadier AI, Lance Brigadier LBM, and Police Private JG. Additionally, several items of evidence related to fund flows have been secured as part of the internal investigation process.
Andra stated that as a demonstration of commitment to transparency and objectivity, the East Nusa Tenggara Police has also coordinated with the Police Professional Standards and Security Division to conduct further examinations of the middle-ranking officer suspected of involvement.
“To ensure objectivity in handling the case, the officer in question (Senior Commissioner ATB) has currently been suspended from his position as Director of Drug Investigation of the East Nusa Tenggara Police and is undergoing examination at the Police Professional Standards and Security Division,” he explained.
He stated that based on the results of the examination, the East Nusa Tenggara Police will also hold a special case conference with the Police Professional Standards and Security Division to determine the legal status of Senior Commissioner ATB and six other members suspected of involvement in the case.
If found to have violated the Police Professional Code of Ethics as regulated in Police Regulation Number 7 of 2022, the officers in question may face strict sanctions, including dismissal without honour (PTDH).