Indonesian Air Force Denies Link to Viral Tramadol Drug Transaction

Alleged sales of tramadol, a restricted pharmaceutical, have been reported in the Pondok Gede area of Bekasi. Online users claimed that the sales point was located directly across from an Indonesian Air Force (TNI AU) military unit’s office.

In the circulating video, tramadol sales were described as taking place through direct cash transactions or cash on delivery (COD) arrangements, conducted covertly. The video showed the recorder warning individuals at the location to cease selling tramadol.

After leaving the transaction site, the recorder questioned why the TNI AU unit was not taking action against the illegal drug trade.

The TNI AU has responded to the viral video. The Air Force emphatically stated that neither the institution nor any of its personnel were connected to the alleged illicit tramadol transactions occurring across from the Reconstruction Unit (Satrekon) headquarters, located on Jalan Raya Pondok Gede, Halim Perdanakusuma, Makasar, East Jakarta.

“The Indonesian Air Force reaffirms that the institution and TNI AU personnel have no connection whatsoever with the alleged unlicensed controlled drug transaction activity at the location mentioned in the video,” the TNI AU stated on its Instagram account @militer.udara on Monday, 16 March 2026.

The TNI AU also addressed a military motorcycle that was captured turning towards the area near the incident location. Officials stated that the rider was not attempting to purchase tramadol.

“The presence of that official vehicle is unrelated to the alleged transaction activity; rather, the personnel in question were heading to a beverage seller in the vicinity to purchase drinks,” it said.

The TNI AU affirmed that the alleged tramadol transactions occurred outside Satrekon’s territorial jurisdiction. Officials also stated that illegal drug sales constitute criminal violations.

“The TNI AU does not tolerate any form of legal violation, including the distribution of controlled drugs without authorisation,” the statement read.

“The TNI AU fully supports law enforcement efforts in prosecuting all forms of unauthorised controlled drug distribution that harm the public,” it added.