Viral Recording Becomes 'Key' to Police Involvement in East Kalimantan Drug Network?
The East Kalimantan Regional Police (Polda Kaltim) have uncovered the alleged involvement of the former Head of Narcotics for the West Kutai Police, AKP Deky Jonathan Sasiang, in a money laundering case linked to a drug network. Police stated that the investigation is an extension of a drug lord case in West Kutai that was previously uncovered in the Melak Police sector.
Recently, a voice recording went viral on social media, allegedly discussing drug networks in West Kutai involving AKP Deky and several other police officers. The Head of Public Relations for East Kalimantan Regional Police, Kombes Pol Yulianto, stated that the recording is currently undergoing in-depth analysis. Police are tracing the individuals mentioned in the conversation.
In addition to the audio recording, investigators are also examining photos that circulated alongside the issue. All names mentioned are being reviewed individually to confirm their connection to the case. Yulianto noted that while the recordings have undergone forensic testing, the authenticity of the voices—whether they are genuine or AI-generated—will be proven during trial.
Despite the viral nature of the recordings, Polda Kaltim emphasised that investigators are working based on evidence rather than public assumption. The investigation is intensive, as approximately 13 to 14 names were mentioned in the recording. The Head of Internal Affairs (Propam) for East Kalimantan, Kombes Hariyanto, added that the investigation is expanding and no individual is exempt from scrutiny if they are linked to AKP Deky’s group.
The narcotics case involving AKP Deky began with the arrest of drug lord Ishak and others on 11 February. The investigation expanded to include another drug lord, FJ, eventually revealing a larger hierarchy. Police identified an individual named Memen as a high-level figure in the network. Following coordination with the National Police Criminal Investigation Agency (Bareskrim Polri), the investigation into money laundering led to the involvement of AKP Deky.
While the criminal proceedings for AKP Deky are being handled by Bareskrim Polri in Jakarta, his ethical accountability as a police officer is being managed by the East Kalimantan Propam division. AKP Deky was transported to the Bareskrim Polri building in Jakarta on Monday evening to undergo further interrogation by the Narcotics Crime Investigation Directorate.