Shots to the Leg Stop Ko Erwin, Drug Trafficker and Ex-Chief of Bima City Police

JAKARTA — Erwin bin Iskandar, alias Koko Erwin (57), a major drug trafficker connected to a former Chief of the Bima City Police, was nearly able to escape to Malaysia before gunfire to his leg ended his attempt.

The Narcotics Crime Directorate (Dittipidnarkoba) of the Criminal Investigation Department (Bareskrim) of the Indonesian National Police has arrested Erwin in connection with narcotics offences.

The arrest took place on Thursday, 26 February 2026, at approximately 13:30 Western Indonesia Time (WIB).

At the time, Erwin was aboard a traditional vessel sailing in the waters of Pematang Silo, Silo Laut District, Asahan Regency, North Sumatra. Had the authorities been delayed only slightly longer, Erwin would have entered Malaysian territorial waters.

Brigadier General Eko Hadi Santoso, Director of the Narcotics Crime Directorate at Bareskrim Polri, stated that the arrest was carried out by a combined team from Subdivision IV of the Narcotics Crime Directorate working alongside the National Intelligence Command (NIC) Task Force following intensive pursuit operations.

“Through swift and measured action, the team successfully identified and prevented the success of the escape attempt, enabling Erwin bin Iskandar to be apprehended before fully entering Malaysian jurisdiction,” Eko said in a statement on Friday, 27 February 2026.

The combined team led by Senior Commissioner Handik Zusen, working alongside the NIC Task Force under the command of Senior Commissioner Kevin Leleury, subsequently conducted intensive investigation and surveillance.

In his attempt to reach Malaysia, Erwin was assisted by several individuals. Following interrogation of Akhsan Al Fadhli, alias Genda, it was revealed that Erwin had planned the crossing to Malaysia through an illegal maritime route and had coordinated with parties responsible for preparing the vessel.

Erwin subsequently requested assistance from Rusdianto, alias Kumis, who acted as a facilitator for the crossing. After interrogation, Rusdianto admitted to being contacted by someone known as “The Doctor” to arrange the boat. At that time, he was already aware that Erwin was being pursued by authorities regarding narcotics charges. However, Rusdianto proceeded to contact Rahmat, who is suspected of being the boat provider.