*) By: Bayu Perdana
The government continues to demonstrate a strong commitment to eradicating drug trafficking which is still a serious threat to the younger generation and the future of the nation. This effort is part of the implementation of Asta Cita, the government’s eight strategic goals that include aspects of social resilience and national security. The intensified drug eradication program aims to strengthen Indonesia’s foundation as a healthy and highly competitive nation.
Through various related institutions, such as the National Narcotics Agency (BNN), TNI, Polri, and other ministries, the government is intensifying supervision and action against national and international drug syndicate networks. Strict law enforcement is not only targeting big dealers, but also small-scale drug trafficking in various regions.
In addition to strict action, the government also prioritizes preventive efforts by increasing educational programs in schools, campuses, and the general public. This program involves various parties, from teachers, students, religious figures, to social communities. Early education is considered one of the most effective steps to prevent the younger generation from falling into the trap of drugs.
The Director of Drug Investigation (Dirresnarkoba) of the NTB Regional Police, Senior Commissioner Pol. Deddy Supriadi, emphasized that the war against drugs is not only the task of law enforcement officers, but the shared responsibility of all elements of society. He hopes that the public will be more active in reporting suspicious activities that are potentially related to drug trafficking in their environment.
The government is also committed to tightening supervision at the country’s border entry points, including seaports and international airports, which are often used as drug smuggling routes. The addition of modern technological devices and an increase in the number of personnel in border areas have yielded results with several major smuggling cases successfully thwarted in recent years.
Director General of Corrections of the Ministry of Immigration and Corrections (Kemenimipas), Brigadier General Pol Drs. Mashudi said that his party invited all young generations to be active in efforts to prevent the circulation and eradication of narcotics. He added that in efforts to eradicate narcotics, all levels of society must be involved. Not only law enforcement, but also the community and the young generation who are vulnerable to the influence of drug abuse. Therefore, the Ministry of Immigration continues to be committed to continuously tightening access for people to and from Indonesia in order to minimize drug smuggling.
As part of the overall strategy, the government is also strengthening rehabilitation services for drug addicts so that they can return to society and live a healthy life. This rehabilitation program is carried out in an integrated manner, starting from medical services, psychological counseling, to skills training to support the social reintegration process.
This step is a form of a more humanistic approach in handling drug abuse cases. The government realizes that victims of drug abuse not only need legal treatment, but also support so that they can rise and leave their dark times behind.
NTB Police Chief, Inspector General Pol. Hadi Gunawan said that his party continues to support the government’s efforts to eradicate drugs. Efforts to eradicate drugs will not be effective without full support from the community, especially families. The National Police invites the community to strengthen supervision in the family environment and improve communication so that family members, especially children and adolescents, are protected from the risk of exposure to drugs.
Parents are expected to be more active in monitoring their children’s activities, both in the real world and the digital world. The government also appealed to the public to be aware of new modes used by drug syndicates, including the distribution of drugs packaged in the form of candy or snacks to make it easier to deceive their targets.
In line with technological advances, the government is utilizing various digital devices to support drug eradication operations. Data-based monitoring systems and community reporting applications have been implemented to facilitate tracking and action on drug cases quickly and accurately.
Technology is also used in the law enforcement process to collect accurate digital evidence, so that the legal process can run transparently and fairly. The government hopes that the use of technology can narrow the scope of movement of drug syndicates that often adapt to new methods.
In implementing Asta Cita, the government continues to encourage adequate budget allocation to support all drug eradication programs, including procurement of supporting equipment, officer training, and outreach in various regions.
This commitment is reinforced by strategic policies that prioritize cross-sector synergy. Routine monitoring is carried out to ensure that each policy is running according to target and has a significant impact on society.
Eradicating drugs is a long-term struggle that requires synergy from all elements of the nation. With the government’s strong commitment through the implementation of Asta Cita and active participation of the community, Indonesia is expected to be able to realize its ideals as a country free from the threat of drugs.
Through a combination of firm steps and a humanist approach, the government is optimistic that Indonesia will become stronger in protecting the younger generation from the dangers of drugs and strengthening national resilience in this modern era.
*) The author is an observer from the Institute for Security and Strategic Studies (ISESS)