Bima, Indonesia – The recent removal of AKBP Catur Erwin Setiawan from his position as Acting Chief of Police (Plh Kapolres) for Bima City has ignited scrutiny, resurfacing past allegations concerning his alleged past drug use. The swift change in leadership, just one week into AKBP Catur’s tenure, has prompted questions about the factors influencing the decision and the integrity of the appointment process within the National Police of Indonesia (Polri).
AKBP Catur’s replacement, AKBP Hariyanto, currently serves as the Deputy Commander of the Mobile Brigade (Wadansat Brimob) of the West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) Regional Police. The transition was confirmed by Kompol Herman, the Deputy Chief of Police for Bima City, who stated that the appointment was made directly by the NTB Police Chief, Irjen Edy Murbowo. This unexpected shift in leadership comes on the heels of the dismissal of AKBP Didik Putra Kuncoro, the previous Kapolres Bima Kota, who was implicated in a narcotics case and subsequently discharged from the Polri following an internal ethics review.
The timing of AKBP Catur’s removal has drawn attention to a 2017 incident during his service as the Head of the Narcotics Unit (Kasatresnarkoba) at the Ternate City Police. Reports allege that he tested positive for methamphetamine consumption at that time. While details surrounding the incident remain somewhat opaque, the resurfacing of these claims has fueled speculation about their role in the recent leadership change. The allegations raise concerns about the vetting processes for high-ranking police officials and the potential for past misconduct to impact career progression.
Brief Tenure and a Troubled Predecessor
AKBP Catur’s appointment as Plh Kapolres Bima Kota on February 12, 2026, was intended to fill the void left by the arrest of AKBP Didik Putra Kuncoro. Kuncoro’s dismissal, finalized on February 19, 2026, through a disciplinary hearing at Polri headquarters, stemmed from his involvement in a narcotics case. The case also implicated AKP Malaungi, the former Head of the Narcotics Unit at the Bima City Police. According to reporting by Detik.com, AKBP Catur, upon assuming the interim role, pledged to overhaul the narcotics unit and rigorously address any internal corruption.
However, his tenure as Plh Kapolres was remarkably short-lived. The swift replacement with AKBP Hariyanto has prompted questions about the thoroughness of the initial vetting process and the criteria used for selecting interim leadership positions. The decision to return AKBP Catur to his previous role as the Head of the Violent Crimes Sub-Directorate (Kasubdit Jatanras) at the NTB Regional Police Criminal Investigation Directorate (Ditreskrimum) further complicates the narrative.
Allegations of Past Drug Use Resurface
The focus on AKBP Catur’s past stems from allegations dating back to 2017, when he served as Kasatresnarkoba in Ternate. While the specifics of the incident remain contested, reports suggest a positive drug test for methamphetamine. MSN Indonesia reported that this history has become a central point of discussion following his removal from the Bima City post. The allegations raise serious questions about the suitability of individuals with a history of drug use for positions of authority within law enforcement.
When approached for comment regarding the allegations and his removal, AKBP Catur offered a brief response, deferring inquiries to Polri leadership. “Please request the leadership,” he reportedly told DetikBali on February 23, 2026. This reluctance to address the matter directly has further fueled speculation and public concern.
Official Response and Internal Mechanisms
The NTB Police Public Relations Head (Kabid Humas), Kombes Mohammad Kholid, confirmed the change in leadership but remained circumspect when questioned about the connection between the allegations and AKBP Catur’s removal. Kholid stated that the appointment of a Plh Kapolres is an internal mechanism within Polri and that the decision was made in accordance with established procedures. He emphasized that the Plh role is a temporary assignment, distinct from an officer’s primary duties.
Kholid further explained that AKBP Catur’s return to his position at the Ditreskrimum was based on the demands of his primary role, citing a significant workload within the Violent Crimes Sub-Directorate. “The Plh assignment is an additional task outside of his main duties. Because Pak Catur has many tasks to complete at the Subdit Jatanras, it was deemed necessary to reappoint a Plh, namely AKBP Hariyanto,” Kholid stated, according to reporting by Detik.com. This explanation, however, has done little to quell the public’s interest in the underlying reasons for the leadership change.
The Role of AKBP Hariyanto
AKBP Hariyanto, the newly appointed Plh Kapolres Bima Kota, brings with him experience as the Deputy Commander of the Mobile Brigade (Wadansat Brimob) of the NTB Regional Police. His appointment signals a potential shift in focus towards maintaining public order and security within the city. While details regarding his specific plans for the Bima City Police are currently limited, his background suggests a commitment to operational readiness and tactical response capabilities.
The appointment of AKBP Hariyanto also comes at a critical juncture for the Bima City Police, following the scandal involving AKBP Didik Putra Kuncoro and the ongoing efforts to restore public trust in law enforcement. His success in navigating these challenges will be crucial in rebuilding the reputation of the police force and ensuring the safety and security of the community.
Implications for Polri and Public Trust
The circumstances surrounding AKBP Catur’s removal and the resurfacing of past allegations have broader implications for the Polri. The incident underscores the importance of rigorous vetting processes for high-ranking officials and the need for transparency in internal investigations. The public’s trust in law enforcement is contingent upon the perception of integrity and accountability, and any perceived lapses in these areas can erode public confidence.
The case also highlights the challenges faced by Polri in addressing corruption and misconduct within its ranks. The involvement of high-ranking officers in narcotics-related offenses, as evidenced by the case of AKBP Didik Putra Kuncoro, underscores the need for comprehensive reforms to strengthen internal controls and promote ethical conduct. Tribunnews.com reported that AKBP Catur, upon assuming his previous role, pledged to address internal issues within the narcotics unit, a commitment that now appears to be overshadowed by scrutiny of his own past.
The Polri’s handling of this situation will be closely watched by the public and will likely shape perceptions of the organization’s commitment to accountability and transparency. A thorough and impartial investigation into the allegations surrounding AKBP Catur’s past, coupled with a clear articulation of the reasons for his removal, will be essential in restoring public trust and upholding the integrity of the Polri.
As of February 26, 2026, no further official statements have been released regarding the specifics of the investigation or the future of AKBP Catur’s career. The focus remains on the transition of leadership in Bima City and the ongoing efforts to address the challenges facing the local police force. Readers are encouraged to follow official Polri channels for updates on this developing story and to engage in constructive dialogue about the importance of accountability and transparency in law enforcement.