Moments of Bareskrim Arresting Ko Erwin at Sea, Nearly Reached Malaysia
JAKARTA — The Narcotics Crime Directorate (Dittipidnarkoba) of the Indonesian National Police (Bareskrim Polri) thwarted an attempted escape by drug trafficking suspect Erwin bin Iskandar, alias Koko Erwin (57), who sought to flee to Malaysia via an illegal sea route.
Ko Erwin was reportedly alleged to have deposited Rp 2.8 billion to Didik Putra Kuncoro, former Chief of Bima City Police (AKBP).
Erwin was arrested whilst in waters nearly entering Malaysian territory on Thursday 26 February 2026, at approximately 13:30 WIB. He was secured in the Pematang Silo area, Silo Laut District, Asahan Regency, North Sumatra.
Brigadier General Eko Hadi Santoso, Director of Narcotics Crime at Bareskrim Polri, stated that the arrest was conducted by a joint team from Sub-Directorate IV of Dittipidnarkoba working with the National Intelligence Agency task force following intensive pursuit operations.
According to police, they initially received information that Erwin was attempting to flee abroad to evade legal proceedings. The joint team, led by Senior Commissioner Handik Zusen, alongside the National Intelligence Agency task force led by Senior Commissioner Kevin Leleury, then conducted investigations and intensive surveillance.
From information technology analysis and field intelligence, it was determined that Erwin was assisted by Akhsan Al Fadhli, alias Genda, to travel to Tanjung Balai as the departure point. The investigation subsequently focused on Rusdianto, alias Kumis, who served as the crossing facilitator.
Rusdianto admitted to being contacted by someone known as “The Doctor” to arrange a boat. Despite knowing that Erwin was being sought by law enforcement authorities in connection with drug trafficking charges, Rusdianto proceeded to contact Rahmat, the alleged boat provider.
On 24 February 2026, at approximately 20:00 WIB, Erwin was transported to the departure point in the Tanjung Balai area, with boat costs of Rp 7 million paid in full.