Officer Found Dead After Going Missing During Drug Raid in Central Kalimantan
Bripda Nopandri Ramadhana, who was previously reported missing during a drug raid in Tumbang Kalemei Village, Katingan Tengah District, Katingan Regency, Central Kalimantan, has been found dead. His body was discovered on Saturday (4/7) at approximately 15:55 WIB in the Katingan River, opposite Tumbang Lahang Village. Nopandri was found by Briptu Rangga and Bripda Ryan in a rigid state, floating and caught on tree branches. His remains have been taken to Bhayangkara Hospital for an autopsy.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the family of Bripda Nopandri. The deceased fell in the line of duty. May the deceased find the best place with God Almighty and may the family left behind be given fortitude and strength,” said Brigadier General Eko Hadi Santoso, Director of Drug Crimes at the National Police Criminal Investigation Agency (Bareskrim Polri), in a statement on Sunday (5/7). Eko stressed that the incident is a serious concern for Bareskrim Polri, and a joint team is currently working to uncover the full circumstances. “The team continues to pursue the suspected perpetrators. We will not stop until all perpetrators are secured and processed according to the law,” he stated.
Eko added that Bareskrim Polri has coordinated with the Central Kalimantan Regional Police and the Katingan Resort Police in the investigation and pursuit of those responsible. He also urged the public to provide any information regarding the whereabouts of the perpetrators to the police. “We urge the public to support law enforcement by providing information that can assist the investigation. We will follow up on every piece of information,” he said.
The incident occurred on Wednesday (1/7) evening when the Katingan Police Narcotics Unit followed up on public information regarding the suspected distribution of methamphetamine in Tumbang Kalemei Village. Investigations led to a target identified by the initials BIO, a known drug recidivist. A total of 12 personnel were deployed in the operation, split into two teams. The first team moved to arrest the target at his house, while the second team stood by in a support role. During the arrest, the target was secured, but the situation escalated when several people inside the house and local residents fought back using sharp weapons such as machetes. The mob grew and attacked with sharp weapons and homemade firearms. As the situation spiralled out of control, officers attempted to save themselves while calling for reinforcements. Several members were forced to swim across a river and take cover in the forest to escape the mob. In the incident, Aipda Yudhie Perdana Putra was found dead with wounds from sharp weapons, while Aiptu Sumaryanto and Bripda Nopandri Ramadhana were initially reported missing.