Timeline: Drug Trafficker Ko Erwin Arrested While Attempting to Flee to Malaysia

The Directorate of Drug Crime (Dittipidnarkoba) of the Indonesian National Police Criminal Investigation Directorate has successfully thwarted the escape of fugitive drug trafficker Erwin Iskandar, alias Ko Erwin, in Nusa Tenggara Barat. He was arrested whilst attempting to flee to Malaysia using an illegal maritime route.

Brigadier General Eko Hadi Santoso, Chief of Dittipidnarkoba, explained that the case originated from an investigation into drug abuse that implicated former Bima City Police Chief AKBP Didik Putra Kuncoro and former Bima City Narcotics Head AKP Malaungi.

“During the examination process, evidence emerged suggesting the involvement of other parties in the drug trafficking network,” Eko told journalists on Friday (27 February 2026).

The investigation revealed connections linking others to the syndicate. Consequently, AKBP Didik was dismissed dishonourably from the police force.

During the case development, Ko Erwin’s name surfaced. He is strongly suspected of holding a central role in the drug trafficking syndicate. “He is also linked to allegations of large-scale money transfers purportedly intended to provide protection so that drug trafficking could operate unobstructed in Bima City,” Eko explained.

Realising his name had come under investigation, Ko Erwin decided to flee the country. Eko said he intended to escape abroad to evade police pursuit.

In response, a joint task force comprising the Dittipidnarkoba Subdivision IV led by Commissioner Handik Zusen and the Special Task Force led by Commissioner Kevin Leleury conducted intensive surveillance of people close to Erwin, including his wife, to track the trafficker’s whereabouts.

From surveillance, it was established that Ko Erwin’s movements were being facilitated by an individual identified as A alias G. This person helped Erwin travel to Tanjung Balai in North Sumatra, the designated departure point.

The team immediately pursued A alias G, who had travelled from Jakarta to Tanjung Balai to assist Erwin.

“Based on interrogation of A alias G, we obtained information that Erwin had planned to cross to Malaysia via an illegal maritime route and had coordinated with the party preparing the boat,” Eko continued.

The investigation expanded to those providing means of escape. Police apprehended R alias K, who served as the crossing facilitator.

From R alias K’s statement, it emerged that he had been contacted by someone called “The Doctor” to arrange a boat to Malaysia. Despite knowing Erwin’s fugitive status, he assisted due to instructions to expedite the departure.

“On 24 February 2026 at 20:00 WIB, R alias K transported Erwin to the departure point in Tanjung Balai and made a boat payment of Rp 7 million to (a person named) Rahmat,” Eko stated.

Once the task force confirmed the boat had departed carrying Erwin via an illegal maritime route, the joint team immediately began pursuit.

Eko noted that the traditional boat carrying Erwin was nearly reaching Malaysian waters and about to exit Indonesian jurisdiction. Through swift and measured action, the team cut off the boat’s route.

“The team successfully identified and prevented the escape, securing Erwin before he fully entered Malaysian territorial waters,” he said.

Ko Erwin, according to Eko, offered no resistance when arrested. He was wearing a dark blue shirt and black hat.

During the arrest, police seized cash amounting to Rp 4.8 million and RM 20,000, one TAG Heuer watch, and one Samsung mobile phone.

Ko Erwin has since been brought to the Police Criminal Investigation Directorate for further examination. Eko stated that investigators would conduct a case conference to establish a comprehensive legal framework and trace financial flows with potential money laundering offences.