Indonesia, Cambodia Capture Fugitive Drug Queenpin in 2-Ton Meth Case
Jakarta. Indonesian and Cambodian authorities have arrested Dewi Astutik, also known as Kak Jinda, a high-profile fugitive accused of masterminding the trafficking of two tons of crystal methamphetamine into Indonesia.
Astutik, 42, is accused of orchestrating one of the largest methamphetamine smuggling attempts in Indonesia’s history — a two-ton shipment valued at roughly Rp 5 trillion (around $300 million). Authorities also revealed she had been using a false identity, dispelling earlier claims that she was a resident of Balong district in Ponorogo, East Java.
She was captured on Monday in Sihanoukville, the capital of Cambodia’s coastal Preah Sihanouk province, following a joint operation involving Indonesia’s National Narcotics Agency (BNN), the Indonesian Military Intelligence Agency (BAIS), and Cambodian police.
BNN Chief Commissioner Suyudi confirmed the arrest on Tuesday, saying the operation followed actionable intelligence indicating that the fugitive was moving toward Sihanoukville.
“At 13:39 local time, the target was detected inside a white Toyota Prius with Cambodian plates. She was seen stopping at the lobby of the Novotel Sihanoukville,” Suyudi said in Jakarta. “Once her location was confirmed, the joint team moved in.”
He said officers immediately verified her identity, confirming she was the woman listed on Indonesia’s most-wanted list under the names Paryatin and Dewi Astutik, and known by the aliases Kak Jinda and Dinda.
“The arrest was swift and met with no significant resistance. This successful cross-border operation reflects the strong coordination between Indonesian and Cambodian authorities,” Suyudi added.
After the arrest, Astutik was transported to Phnom Penh for administrative procedures ahead of her deportation to Indonesia. The process involves Cambodian police, Indonesian embassy officials, BNN, and BAIS officers stationed in the country.
“BNN is ensuring that all procedures are followed so that the deportation and handover can proceed without obstacles. Bringing Dewi Astutik back to Indonesia will allow investigators to pursue further action against the drug network she has been controlling,” Suyudi said.
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