Government Committed to Realizing a Drug-Free Indonesia
By: Arika Putri )*
The Indonesian government under the leadership of President Prabowo Subianto has shown a strong commitment to realizing a drug-free country. As one of the national priorities, the war on drug abuse and illicit trafficking continues to be intensified through various strategic policies, strict law enforcement, and cross-sector approaches.
This effort aims not only to eradicate drugs from their roots, but also to save the nation’s next generation from the negative impacts they cause.
After undergoing rehabilitation, they are directed to join the Reserve Component (Komcad), a military training program that allows them to contribute to major national projects, such as opening agricultural land in Kalimantan and Papua.
This step not only provides a second chance for former drug users, but also supports national economic development.
In addition to focusing on rehabilitation, the government through the National Narcotics Agency (BNN) continues to strengthen operations to eradicate drug networks. In 2024, the BNN successfully uncovered 618 narcotics cases, including two clandestine laboratories that were centers of drug production.
This operation resulted in the arrest of 974 narcotics suspects, who were members of 27 different syndicates, both national and international. The Head of the BNN, Commissioner General Marthinus Hukom, stated that from this operation, 26 perpetrators who were previously on the Wanted List (DPO) were successfully secured, while 337 other DPOs were still being pursued.
The evidence confiscated by the BNN throughout the year was also very significant. Among them were 710 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, 2,178 kilograms of marijuana, 290 thousand ecstasy pills, and 35.5 tons of wet marijuana found on 135,000 square meters of land. With this success, the BNN estimates that more than four million Indonesians have been saved from the potential threat of drugs.
In addition, the BNN also collaborated with the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK) to track the flow of funds from this criminal activity. As a result, 15 drug dealers were successfully charged with Money Laundering (TPPU), with confiscated assets reaching IDR 111.5 billion. This step reflects the government’s strategy to impoverish the perpetrators so that they cannot return to running this illegal business.
Not only relying on a legal approach, the government also collaborates with civil society through various initiatives. One that stands out is the involvement of the Anti-Narcotics Youth Core Cadre (KIPAN) as a strategic partner in preventing and eradicating narcotics. Deputy Minister of Home Affairs (Wamendagri), Ribka Haluk, appreciated KIPAN’s active role in implementing strategic programs that support the Minister of Home Affairs Regulation Number 12 of 2019 and Presidential Instruction Number 2 of 2020 concerning the National Action Plan for P4GN. This synergy is an important step in creating a generation of Golden Indonesia that is free from the threat of narcotics.
Ribka emphasized the importance of a cross-sectoral approach in dealing with drug problems, especially those related to economic resilience and public health. Synergy between the government, society, and the private sector is believed to be able to create sustainable solutions in dealing with the widespread impact of drugs. The government is also committed to strengthening the implementation of policies that support drug eradication, including paying more attention to prevention efforts through education and awareness campaigns among the community.
In addition, the rehabilitation and empowerment program for former drug users initiated by the government is also considered an effective strategic step. By providing military training and involving them in development projects, the government not only provides solutions to social problems, but also empowers individuals to contribute to the country. This effort reflects the government’s vision to not only punish, but also provide opportunities for those who have gone astray to improve themselves.
The government’s success in eradicating drugs is also inseparable from the commitment of President Prabowo Subianto who made this issue one of the main national agendas.
The President emphasized that the war on drugs is a struggle that must be carried out comprehensively, both through strict law enforcement, community empowerment, and breaking up transnational crime networks.
