NTT Police Suspend Narcotics Investigation Director Amid Extortion Allegations

The East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) Provincial Police have suspended the Director of Narcotics Investigations, identified by the initials Commissioner ATB, following allegations of an extortion case implicating internal personnel. To maintain organisational stability, the position is now filled by an Acting Director (Plh) entrusted to Commissioner Sajimin. This appointment is a swift institutional measure to ensure that the organisation’s operations and law enforcement continue optimally without interference. Commissioner Sajimin previously served as the Middle Police Auditor (AKM) TK III of the NTT Provincial Police Internal Affairs Division. NTT Police Chief Inspector General Rudi Darmoko emphasised that the force will not tolerate any form of legal violations by its members. He assured that the case is being handled professionally and transparently. Through the NTT Provincial Police’s Public Relations Division Head, Commissioner Henry Novika Chandra, it was reiterated that any member found guilty of violations, especially those damaging public trust, will be firmly processed in accordance with applicable legal provisions, both ethical codes and criminal law. “Any member proven to have committed violations, particularly those harming public trust, will be processed firmly in accordance with the applicable legal provisions, both ethical codes and criminal law,” stated Commissioner Henry on Wednesday (18/3). According to him, such firm steps represent the Indonesian National Police’s commitment to internal reforms and maintaining public confidence in the police institution. “Enforcing discipline and law against members is part of our commitment to upholding the institution’s honour. There is no tolerance for rogue elements who abuse their authority,” he explained. CASE CHRONOLOGY The case began between March and July 2025, when the NTT Provincial Police Narcotics Investigation Directorate developed a case of suspected health-related criminal acts involving the distribution of the illegal drug poppers. During the process, allegations of authority abuse emerged involving Commissioner ATB and several members, including six assistant investigators. They are suspected of extorting two suspects with the initials SF and JH for an amount reaching Rp375 million. The modus operandi involved asset negotiations and exploiting the suspects’ detention period. The practice is alleged to have occurred in the East Java region up to the NTT Provincial Police Headquarters environment. In response to these findings, the NTT Provincial Police immediately took firm action by suspending the related officials, prosecuting those involved, and rotating strategic positions. The appointment of Commissioner Sajimin as Acting Director of Narcotics Investigations is expected to strengthen internal reforms and maintain public trust in the police institution. According to Commissioner Henry, the NTT Provincial Police is committed to openness to public oversight as part of the bureaucratic reform efforts within the Indonesian National Police.