Getting to Know Bripda Nopandri, the Young Police Officer Killed in a Drug Raid in Katingan
The courage of Bripda Nopandri Ramadhana in carrying out his duties as a member of the Indonesian National Police has drawn public attention. The 23-year-old officer was killed during an operation to dismantle a drug network in Katingan Regency, Central Kalimantan. His passing has left deep sorrow, not only for his family but also for his fellow officers who knew him as a highly dedicated individual.
Bripda Nopandri’s name came to the fore after he was initially reported missing following a raid on a methamphetamine dealer that turned chaotic. After a two-day search, his body was found floating in the Katingan River on Saturday, 4 July 2026. The discovery confirmed that the young officer had fallen in the line of duty.
A native of Katingan Regency, Central Kalimantan, Bripda Nopandri Ramadhana was known from a young age as a humble, friendly person with a strong desire to serve the community through the police force. His career began in July 2022 when he officially became a member of the Central Kalimantan Regional Police. His first assignment was in the Samapta Directorate before he was transferred to the Katingan Police as Samapta personnel.
His dedication and work ethic led his superiors to place greater trust in him. On 12 January 2024, Nopandri was transferred to the Narcotics Investigation Unit of the Katingan Police, a unit tasked with the heavy responsibility of eradicating narcotics distribution in the region. To support his skills, he also underwent competency enhancement training for narcotics investigators throughout 2024, which became an important foundation for carrying out various law enforcement operations.
The tragedy began when the Katingan Police Narcotics Unit received information from the public about suspected methamphetamine distribution activity in Tumbang Kalemei Village, Central Katingan District. The investigation led to a target with the initials BIO, a known repeat offender in narcotics cases. Twelve personnel were deployed to conduct the raid in the early hours of Wednesday, 1 July 2026.
Upon arriving at the location, the team was divided into two groups. One group was tasked with arresting the target, while the other stood by to provide support if the situation escalated. Initially, the operation went according to plan and the target was successfully secured. However, the situation changed drastically when several individuals at the location, along with local residents, resisted the officers.