RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Malaysia has affirmed its respect for Indonesia's legal process after a Malaysian pilot was arrested over an alleged attempt to smuggle more than 25 kilograms of narcotics.

The move underscores Indonesia's commitment to cross-border law enforcement while maintaining diplomatic cooperation with its regional neighbor.

In a statement received in Jakarta on Friday, July 31, 2026, the Malaysian Embassy in Jakarta said it had been informed by Indonesian National Police Criminal Investigation Agency (Bareskrim) about the detention of the Malaysian national.

"The embassy respects Indonesia's legal process and is coordinating with the relevant authorities in Indonesia," the statement said, as quoted by Antara, adding that it is seeking consular access to the detained Malaysian citizen.

According to Bareskrim's Director of Narcotics Crimes, Brig. Gen. Eko Hadi Santoso, the 39-year-old pilot, identified by the initials MSBO, was arrested on Tuesday, July 28, after customs officers at Terminal 3 of Soekarno-Hatta International Airport became suspicious of his luggage.

A search uncovered 70,114 ecstasy pills weighing 25,194.83 grams, along with one package of methamphetamine. Police said MSBO admitted he had been promised MYR 50,000 (about USD 12,238) by a person believed to be in Malaysia to transport the drugs.

Customs officials also said the pilot tested positive for narcotics after his arrest. Before being detained, he had operated Malaysia Airlines flight MH727 from Kuala Lumpur to Jakarta carrying around 170 passengers.

The case has entered the formal investigation stage, and MSBO remains in police custody. He has been charged under Indonesian Narcotics Law, which carries severe penalties for large-scale drug trafficking. ***