Ko Erwin's Nearly Flawless Escape
Ko Erwin’s escape nearly succeeded. The traditional vessel carrying him had almost entered Malaysian waters when the Indonesian National Police Narcotics Crime Directorate (Dittipidnarkoba) of the Criminal Investigation Directorate (Bareskrim) cut off his route in open waters.
The fugitive narcotics trafficker from West Nusa Tenggara was finally apprehended before completely leaving Indonesian jurisdiction.
Brigadier General Eko Hadi Santoso, Director of Narcotics Crime at Bareskrim Polri, stated that Erwin Iskandar’s, alias Ko Erwin’s, arrest resulted from the development of an investigation into drug abuse allegations that had implicated former Bima Police Chief AKBP Didik Putra Kuncoro and former Narcotics Unit Head AKP Malaungi.
“During the examination process, suspicions emerged of third-party involvement in the narcotics distribution network,” Eko told journalists on Friday, 27 February 2026.
Through further investigation, detectives uncovered evidence of third-party involvement in the narcotics syndicate. AKBP Didik was subsequently dismissed dishonourably from the police force.
As the case developed, Ko Erwin’s name emerged and he was suspected of holding a central role in the narcotics distribution network in Bima.
“Additionally, he was linked to the suspected transfer of substantial sums of money related to payments to certain individuals allegedly intended to provide protection so that narcotics distribution could proceed without obstruction in the Bima area,” Eko explained.
Fugitive’s Trail Detected
When Ko Erwin realised his name was on investigators’ radar, he allegedly prepared an escape plan to flee abroad. He chose an illegal maritime route to Malaysia from Tanjung Balai, North Sumatra.
A joint team from Subdirectorate IV of Dittipidnarkoba led by Kombes Pol Handik Zusen, along with the NIC Task Force led by Kombes Pol Kevin Leleury, then conducted intensive surveillance of Erwin’s close associates, including his wife.
From this surveillance, Erwin’s movements were discovered to be facilitated by someone identified as A alias G, who arranged his departure to Tanjung Balai. The team immediately pursued A alias G, who had travelled from Jakarta to follow Erwin.
“Based on interrogation of A alias G, it was established that Erwin had planned to cross into Malaysia via an illegal maritime route and had coordinated with parties preparing the vessel,” Eko continued.
The subsequent development pointed to R alias K, who served as the provider of transport facilities. From his confession, he was contacted by someone called ‘The Doctor’ to arrange a vessel bound for Malaysia.
R alias K knew of Erwin’s fugitive status but still assisted because there were instructions to expedite the departure.
“On 24 February 2026 at 8 p.m. WIB, R alias K escorted Erwin to the departure point at Tanjung Balai and made a payment of 7 million rupiah for the vessel to (a person named) Rahmat,” Eko revealed.
Intercepted Before Leaving Jurisdiction
After confirming that the vessel carrying Erwin had departed via the illegal route, the joint team moved swiftly to pursue him.
According to Eko, the vessel had almost entered Malaysian territorial waters. Had there been even slight delay, Erwin risked escaping Indonesian law.
“The team successfully identified and prevented the escape, securing Erwin before he fully entered Malaysian territorial jurisdiction,” Eko continued.
When apprehended, Erwin offered no resistance. He was wearing a dark blue shirt and a black hat.
During the arrest, police seized 4.8 million rupiah in cash and 20,000 Malaysian ringgit, one TAG Heuer wristwatch, and one Samsung mobile phone.
Ko Erwin has now been taken to Bareskrim Polri for further interrogation. Investigators will prepare the case to construct a comprehensive legal framework.
“Tracing financial flows and investigating potential money laundering offences,” Eko concluded.