NTT Police Drug Investigation Director Suspended Over Alleged Extortion
The Nusa Tenggara Timur Regional Police (Polda NTT) has suspended Kombes Pol Ardiyanto Tedjo Baskoro, the Director of the Narcotics Investigation Bureau at Polda NTT, from his position following allegations of his involvement in extortion practices against two suspects in an illegal drugs case.
AKBP Muhammad Andra Wardhana, Head of the Professional Conduct Bureau at Polda NTT, confirmed on Sunday morning in Kupang that the suspension was implemented to ensure the investigation proceeded objectively and transparently.
“To guarantee objective case handling, the individual has been suspended from his position as Director of the Narcotics Investigation Bureau at Polda NTT and is currently undergoing investigation by the National Police’s Professional Conduct Division,” he stated.
Wardhana explained that the alleged violations occurred between March and July 2025 whilst the Narcotics Investigation Bureau was developing a case concerning illegal drug trafficking involving poppers. During the investigation process, allegations emerged of abuse of authority involving a senior officer alongside several other personnel.
The officer is alleged to have worked with six assistant investigators to extort approximately 375 million rupiah from two suspects with initials SF and JH. The extortion is reportedly conducted through asset negotiation tactics and exploitation of the suspects’ detention period, occurring in East Java as well as at Polda NTT headquarters.
The incident has also impacted the ongoing legal proceedings, including delays in advancing the case to the prosecutor’s office, as one suspect has now become a person subject to a wanted persons notice (DPO).
The Professional Conduct Bureau at Polda NTT has conducted preliminary investigations of personnel suspected of involvement and secured evidence related to fund transfers in the case. Several personnel already questioned include AKP HSB, Ipda BB, Aipda OT, Brigpol AI, Briptu LBM, and Bripda JG.
Kombes Pol Henry Novika Chandra, Head of Communications at Polda NTT, stressed that this firm action demonstrates the National Police’s commitment to maintaining institutional integrity and public trust.
“Polda NTT is committed to taking firm action against any violations by its members. Enforcement of discipline and ethical codes is conducted professionally, transparently, and accountably to maintain public confidence in the National Police institution,” he said.
Chandra added that if found to have violated the Police Professional Ethics Code as stipulated in National Police Regulation Number 7 of 2022, the individual may face strict sanctions up to dismissal without honour (PTDH).
Polda NTT, together with the National Police’s Professional Conduct Division, will also establish a special case to determine further legal status regarding the senior officer suspected of involvement in this case.