Ko Erwin, Drug Trafficking Fugitive and Former Bima Police Chief, Arrested Whilst Attempting to Flee to Malaysia

JAKARTA – The Narcotics Crime Directorate (Dittipidnarkoba) of the National Police’s Criminal Investigation Bureau (Bareskrim Polri) has confirmed the arrest of Erwin Iskandar, alias Ko Erwin, a fugitive wanted in a narcotics case.

Brigadier General Eko Hadi Santoso, Director of the Narcotics Crime Directorate at Bareskrim Polri, stated that the arrest was conducted by a joint team. “It is correct that fugitive Erwin has been arrested by the Joint Team from Sub-Directorate IV and the NIC Task Force of the Narcotics Crime Directorate at Bareskrim Polri. Further details will be provided during a press conference,” Eko said in his statement on Friday (27 February 2026).

Erwin Iskandar is a drug trafficker allegedly responsible for transferring 2.8 billion rupiah to former Bima City Police Chief AKBP Didik Putra Kuncoro.

According to Kevin, at the time of his arrest, the suspect was on board a vessel and was allegedly attempting to flee to Malaysia. “The suspect was distributing drugs using a vessel, and we conducted the arrest as he was allegedly heading to Malaysia,” Kevin said when met at Terminal 1C Arrivals at Soekarno-Hatta Airport in Tangerang City on Friday.

Police suspect the escape had been carefully planned. During the arrest, Erwin offered some resistance, though it was brief. “There was some, but not much,” Kevin stated.

Two additional suspects, with initials A alias G and R alias K, have been apprehended. A alias G was arrested in Riau, whilst R alias K was secured in Tanjungbalai.

“Three suspects have been secured in total. Firstly, the suspect with initials A alias G was arrested in Riau. Secondly, the suspect with initials R alias K was secured in Tanjungbalai,” Kevin explained. He indicated that both played roles in arranging Ko Erwin’s departure to facilitate his escape to Malaysia.