Moments of Drug Trafficker Who Bribed Police Chief Fleeing to Malaysia, Ko Erwin Shot in Middle of Sea
Drug trafficker Erwin Iskandar, alias Ko Erwin, was arrested at sea. He was detained by a team from the Directorate of Narcotics Crime (Dittipid Narkoba) of the Police Criminal Investigation Directorate (Bareskrim Polri) following a pursuit in waters heading towards Malaysia.
The Director of Narcotics Crime at Bareskrim Polri, Brigadier General Eko Hadi Santoso, revealed that Ko Erwin fled after his movements in Bima were detected by authorities. Intelligence received by Bareskrim indicated that the fugitive, who had allegedly transferred billions of rupiah to former Bima City Police Chief AKBP Didik Putra Kuncoro, intended to flee abroad to evade legal proceedings.
A joint team from Sub-Directorate IV of Dittipid Narkoba led by Senior Commissioner Handik Zusen, together with the NIC Task Force controlled by Senior Commissioner Kevin Leleury, immediately conducted intensive investigations. Through IT analysis and field intelligence, it was revealed that Erwin’s escape was facilitated by several parties.
“Based on IT analysis and field intelligence, the team obtained information that Erwin bin Iskandar was assisted by Akhsan Al Fadhli, alias Genda, to facilitate movement towards the Tanjung Balai area as a departure point,” said Eko on Friday, 27 February 2026.
From this information, police pursued Rusdianto, alias Kumis, who acted as a crossing facilitator. He admitted being contacted by someone named The Doctor to prepare a boat to Malaysia.
“Despite knowing this, Rusdianto still contacted Rahmat, who is suspected of providing the boat to expedite the departure,” said Eko.
On 24 February at approximately 20:00 WIB, Erwin was transported to the departure point in Tanjung Balai. Boat fees of Rp7 million were paid, and he sailed using a traditional vessel.
“The team immediately pursued after learning that the boat had departed and Erwin bin Iskandar was en route towards Malaysian waters,” he said.
Just before the boat entered Malaysian territorial waters, the team managed to intercept it. Because resistance occurred, police took firm and measured action by shooting Ko Erwin’s leg.
The arrest was made in Pematang Silo waters, Silo Laut Sub-district, Asahan Regency, North Sumatera, at approximately 13:30 WIB on Thursday, 26 February 2026. Besides securing Erwin, officers seized several pieces of evidence.