The National Narcotics Agency (BNN) has arrested alleged drug kingpin Pariyatin, popularly known as Dewi Astutik, in Cambodia, a feat marking a major breakthrough in the country’s fight against transnational narcotics syndicates. 

BNN Chief Suyudi Ario Seto said 43-year-old Dewi, who hails from East Java’s regency of Ponorogo, is believed to be a key figure in multiple international drug networks operating across Asia and Africa.

“Dewi was recruited by an Asia–Africa narcotics syndicate and is currently listed as a fugitive by South Korean authorities,” Suyudi told a press conference in Tangerang, Banten, on Wednesday, December 3, 2025.

Authorities suspect Dewi played a central role in the attempted smuggling of two tons of methamphetamine intercepted in Batam, Riau Islands, in May 2025, apparentlythe largest drug seizure in Indonesia’s history in a single operation. The drugs were valued at approximately Rp5 trillion (US$300 million).

According to BNN, Dewi acted as the intellectual mastermind behind shipments sent from the Golden Triangle, one of the world’s most notorious drug-producing regions. She also allegedly supplied methamphetamine, cocaine and ketamine to markets in Southeast Asia, East Asia and Africa.

Investigators also linked her to the network of Fredy Pratama, one of Indonesia’s most wanted drug traffickers, who remains a fugitive and is believed to have distributed meth and ecstasy across the region.

Head of Soekarno-Hatta Customs Office, Gatot SugengWibowo, said Dewi was similarly involved in previous attempts to smuggle heroin and cocaine into Indonesia.

“We previously intercepted 2.3 kilograms of cocaine and heroin linked to shipments arranged by the suspect, DA,” Gatot said.

The recent arrest reinforced suspicions that Dewi managed a complex logistics network from abroad, using maritime smuggling routes including those around Tanjung Balai Karimun, a corridor long flagged as vulnerable to narcotics trafficking.

In May 2025, a joint task force comprising BNN, theIndonesian Navy and Customs Directorate General seized two tons of methamphetamine at the Tanjung Uncang Customs Pier in Batam.

The drugs were found aboard the KM MT Sea Dragon Tarawavessel, which was intercepted in the waters off Tanjung Balai Karimun.

Four crew members detained during the operation were later found to have connections with Dewi, further strengthening allegations of her leadership within the syndicate.

Transnational operation

Initial investigations indicate that Dewi moved between countries to evade capture, controlling a network spanning multiple jurisdictions. The syndicate is believed to have leveraged cargo shipments, courier routes and maritime channels to distribute narcotics regionally.

BNN has yet to confirm the timeline for Dewi’s extradition, but officials say her arrest is expected to open new leads.

“This is a significant step toward dismantling an international drug pipeline that has been targeting Indonesia,” Suyudi said.

BNN plans to expand its investigation following Dewi’s arrest, exploring potential financial links, shell companies and other individuals suspected of supporting the trafficking operation.

The case is likely to become one of the most consequential drug investigations in recent years, as Dewi is believed to be a major connector between Golden Triangle suppliers and traffickers seeking to infiltrate Indonesia’s market.