Government Strengthens National Strategy in Eradicating Drugs
By: Angga Hardian
The government continues to strengthen the national strategy in eradicating drugs with a more comprehensive approach, involving various parties, and adjusting methods to conditions in each region. This commitment is seen in various policies implemented, ranging from prevention, prosecution, to rehabilitation. This effort is not only the responsibility of law enforcement officers, but also requires support from the community so that Indonesia is free from the increasingly disturbing threat of narcotics.
The Governor of South Kalimantan, H. Muhidin, emphasized that all elements of society must strengthen synergy in the Communication Forum for Prevention, Eradication, Abuse, and Illicit Trafficking of Narcotics (P4GN). In a meeting represented by the Expert Staff for Government, Law, and Politics, Adi Santoso, he emphasized that this forum is a strategic forum to strengthen joint commitment in creating a drug-free South Kalimantan. He also highlighted that the drug problem not only damages individuals, but also destroys families, communities, and even the stability of the country. Therefore, it must be handled comprehensively and involve various parties.
According to H. Muhidin, the local government has an important role in supporting national policies with programs that directly affect the community. One of the efforts that continues to be made is to mobilize education and socialization about the dangers of drugs, especially in the family and school environment. Supervision from parents and the surrounding environment is a key factor in preventing the younger generation from falling into drug abuse. In addition, the local government also supports strengthening regulations, increasing the capacity of law enforcement officers, and providing adequate rehabilitation facilities for drug users.
The Head of the South Kalimantan Provincial National Narcotics Agency (BNNP), Brigadier General Pol Wisnu Andayana, also emphasized the importance of synergy and collaboration in eradicating drug trafficking. According to him, it is impossible for one institution to work alone in handling this problem. The success of the P4GN strategy in South Kalimantan has also received appreciation because it can be implemented in an orderly and effective manner.
Wisnu emphasized that the approach used must focus more on prevention, by identifying areas that are prone to drugs. He added that rehabilitation is indeed important to stop dependence, but if it only relies on rehabilitation without closing access to circulation, then this problem will never be resolved. Therefore, prevention strategies must be carried out more systematically and based on accurate data.
Meanwhile, the Head of the National Narcotics Agency (BNN) of the Republic of Indonesia, Commissioner General of Police Martinus Hukom, highlighted East Kalimantan, especially Samarinda, as a strategic area for drug trafficking. He explained that its geographical location close to international trade routes, such as the Straits of Malacca and Vietnam, makes this area a primary target for drug syndicates. To overcome this problem, BNN is implementing a supply reduction strategy to suppress drug supply and demand reduction to reduce demand in the community. These two approaches run simultaneously by prioritizing cross-agency cooperation and active community participation.
In the past few months, BNN together with law enforcement officers have succeeded in thwarting various drug smuggling attempts, including those carried out via sea routes. One of the operations carried out at the beginning of this year succeeded in arresting a network of dealers who smuggled drugs through Kalimantan waters. This proves that drug trafficking routes are increasingly diverse and require stricter supervision. Therefore, BNN continues to strengthen coordination with the National Police, East Kalimantan Police, North Kalimantan Police, Customs, Indonesian Navy, and local governments to ensure that drug entry routes can be effectively closed.
The government’s approach to eradicating drugs is not only limited to the aspect of enforcement, but also focuses on recovery efforts for users. BNN collaborates with the Ministry of Social Affairs, the Ministry of Education, and various community organizations to provide rehabilitation programs that not only help overcome addiction, but also equip former users with skills so that they can contribute to society again. Education and campaigns on the dangers of drugs also continue to be strengthened in schools, workplaces, and communities, so that the public is more aware of the negative impacts of narcotics.
