By: Ridwan Adiyatma ) *
The Indonesian government is increasingly serious in eradicating drug trafficking which continues to be a major threat to society. Through various national operations, this effort not only focuses on legal action against the perpetrators, but also includes prevention and disclosure of wider networks. This approach shows the government’s strong commitment to creating a safe, healthy and drug-free environment, in accordance with national priority programs.
One of the important operations was carried out by the South Sulawesi (Sulsel) Regional Police Narcotics Investigation Directorate, which succeeded in arresting two men from Makassar with the initials MNS and RR. They are strongly suspected of being couriers of crystal methamphetamine and were arrested on Jalan Trans Sulawesi. Evidence in the form of two kilograms of crystal methamphetamine was successfully secured in the operation.
The illegal goods were known to have been obtained from Pinrang Regency based on someone’s instructions via telephone, then planned to be taken to Makassar to be handed over to the customer. The two suspects were arrested in front of the Barru Regency District Attorney’s Office before being taken to the South Sulawesi Regional Police Headquarters for further investigation.
Director of Drug Investigation of South Sulawesi Police, Senior Commissioner Darmawan Affandy, revealed that his party immediately conducted an in-depth investigation to uncover the network behind the circulation. This approach aims to catch not only the perpetrators in the field, but also the brains behind the drug circulation.
Darmawan also emphasized the importance of supervision during Christmas and New Year celebrations, when the risk of drugs entering the South Sulawesi Police jurisdiction tends to increase. He stated that strict actions like this are part of support for the government’s major program to eradicate drugs comprehensively.
Similar commitment is also seen in East Kalimantan, the East Kalimantan Regional Police are actively eradicating drug trafficking in their area. The Director of Drug Investigation at the East Kalimantan Regional Police, Senior Commissioner Arif Bastari, stated that his institution has a zero tolerance policy towards drug abuse, both in society and within the police force.
There is no compromise for anyone involved, including members of the National Police who are proven to have violated. Arif also appealed to the public to report any indication of drug trafficking to the authorities. The East Kalimantan Regional Police are ready to follow up on reports quickly as a form of solid partnership between the community and the police.
In addition to enforcement, the East Kalimantan Regional Police are also actively conducting socialization about the dangers of drugs to increase public awareness. This step is expected to create a healthier and safer environment. Arif emphasized that a comprehensive approach, from law enforcement to public education, is very important to reduce the destructive impact of drugs in the region.
In West Sumatra, the West Sumatra Regional Police (Polda) also conducted a large-scale operation in the Gaung Market area, Padang. This area is known as one of the hotspots for drug trafficking. The Director of Drug Investigation of the West Sumatra Police, Senior Commissioner Nico A Setiawan, led the operation involving around 150 joint personnel from various units, including Sabhara, Brimob, and the Drug Investigation Unit.
This drug eradication operation was carried out after reports of rampant drug transactions in the area. This effort did not go smoothly because it received resistance from provoked community members. However, the police continued their duties to enforce the law and secure the area from the threat of drugs.
In the operation, seven people were arrested, four of whom tested positive for drug use. Police also found various pieces of evidence, including crystal methamphetamine, used bongs, and sharp weapons.
Nico stated that such operations will continue to be intensified to ensure that the Gaung Market area is no longer a center for drug trafficking. He also appealed to community leaders to play an active role in helping to eradicate drugs in the area.
These steps taken by various police institutions demonstrate a coordinated and comprehensive approach to dealing with the drug problem. The government is not only targeting perpetrators in the field, but is also directing efforts to uncover larger networks, including international syndicates. In this context, strict surveillance at ports, borders, and strategic areas is very important to prevent the entry of these illicit goods.
The government also places drug eradication as part of a broader national program, including the Asta Cita program initiated by President Prabowo Subianto. This program emphasizes the importance of cross-sector cooperation, the use of technology to track drug trafficking, and strengthening the role of society in creating collective resilience against the threat of narcotics.
With this approach, each operation not only serves to catch the perpetrators, but also build public awareness about the dangers of drugs.
The seriousness of the government in combating drugs is seen from the real actions taken in various regions. Arrest operations, network disclosures, and socialization of the dangers of drugs are part of a long-term strategy to create a safer and healthier environment.
This comprehensive approach shows that the government will not back down in the face of the challenges of eradicating drugs, including resistance from parties who try to obstruct law enforcement.
With these steps, the government hopes to reduce the destructive impact of drugs on society and protect future generations. Firm action, synergy between agencies, and public education are the keys to creating an Indonesia free from the threat of drugs. This commitment shows that drug eradication efforts are not only about catching perpetrators, but also ensuring a brighter future for the nation.
)* The author is a contributor to Pertiwi Institute