DistantNews

East Kalimantan Police investigate former Narcotics Unit Head for abuse of authority

From Tempo · (11m ago) Indonesian

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • The East Kalimantan Regional Police are investigating a former Head of Narcotics Unit at the Kutai Barat Resort Police for alleged abuse of authority.
  • The investigation reportedly stems from alleged communication between the former official and individuals affiliated with drug trafficking.
  • While the police confirmed an investigation is underway, they denied that the former official has been placed in special detention.

The East Kalimantan Regional Police's Professional and Security Division (Propam) is currently scrutinizing the actions of Ajun Komisaris Deky Jonathan Sasiang, the former Head of the Narcotics Unit at the Kutai Barat Resort Police. The investigation centers on allegations of abuse of authority during his tenure, with reports suggesting improper communication with individuals suspected of involvement in drug trafficking. This development underscores the internal accountability mechanisms within the Indonesian National Police (Polri) to address potential misconduct among its ranks.

Terhadap isu yang berkembang tentu saja Polri akan mengambil tindakan secara proporsional.

— Komisaris Besar YuliyantoHead of Public Relations for the East Kalimantan Regional Police, commenting on the police's approach to developing issues.

According to sources familiar with the case, the examination includes alleged communications between Sasiang and a known drug dealer, Ishak, who was arrested in February 2026. Evidence reportedly includes voice messages and records of communication found on Ishak's devices, which allegedly link him to more than ten police officers serving or having served at the Kutai Barat Resort Police between 2024 and 2026. The investigation also reportedly involves a "large catch" of narcotics, with over 233 grams of suspected methamphetamine seized along with significant cash and other items. This detailed scrutiny aims to ascertain the veracity of the allegations and ensure proportional action is taken, as stated by Head of Public Relations for the East Kalimantan Regional Police, Komisaris Besar Yuliyanto.

Terkait isu di Kutai Barat, sedang dilakukan pendalaman guna memastikan kebenaran isu tersebut.

— Komisaris Besar YuliyantoHead of Public Relations for the East Kalimantan Regional Police, confirming an investigation into issues in Kutai Barat.

While Propam is indeed conducting an examination, Yuliyanto clarified that Sasiang has not been placed in special detention (patsus) as a follow-up to the investigation. The focus remains on thoroughly investigating the claims to confirm their truthfulness. From an Indonesian perspective, particularly within the context of law enforcement and public trust, such investigations are crucial. They signal a commitment to transparency and a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption and abuse of power within the police force. The detailed reporting by Tempo highlights the importance of journalistic scrutiny in uncovering and reporting on such sensitive internal affairs, reinforcing the public's right to know and holding law enforcement agencies accountable for their conduct.

AKP Deky belum dipatsus.

— Komisaris Besar YuliyantoHead of Public Relations for the East Kalimantan Regional Police, denying that the former official has been placed in special detention.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Tempo in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.