By: Arman Panggabean*)
The Indonesian government under the leadership of President Prabowo Subianto is now increasingly aggressive in fighting the increasingly serious threat of drugs. Committed to eradicating the spread of narcotics, the Head of State not only emphasizes the importance of legal action, but also prevention and rehabilitation as an integral effort in creating a safer and healthier environment for the community.
President Prabowo believes that prevention and rehabilitation measures play an important role in suppressing the negative impact of drugs in society. In the first meeting of the Red and White Cabinet, he instructed all related agencies to seriously handle cases of narcotics, online gambling, and corruption.
According to the national leader who is also a retired high-ranking military officer, cooperation between institutions is very much needed so that these efforts can run effectively and on target.
In line with the government’s vision, President Prabowo not only emphasizes a firm legal approach, but also strong intelligence support to eradicate crime.
For this reason, he encouraged the Attorney General’s Office, the Police, and the Financial and Development Supervisory Agency (BPKP) to prioritize collecting strong evidence, so that eradication efforts can be carried out more accurately and effectively.
In addition, the eighth President of the Republic of Indonesia emphasized that preventive and rehabilitation measures must be in line with law enforcement efforts, so that the ultimate goal of achieving a drug-free Indonesia can be realized soon.
Meanwhile, Ahwil Luthan, Coordinator of the Expert Group of the National Narcotics Agency (BNN), said that the war against drugs requires a comprehensive, asymmetrical and sustainable strategy.
He considered that early prevention needs to start from education, with the family as the first line of defense. Preventive measures like this are expected to be able to protect society, especially the younger generation, from the influence of drugs that continue to lurk.
Ahwil added that in the context of education, the role of educational institutions is very important in optimizing the anti-drug curriculum from elementary school to college.
In addition to education, another preventive measure that he considered effective was strengthening surveillance in border areas that are prone to smuggling, especially areas close to sources of drug smuggling such as the Golden Triangle area.
Ahwil also emphasized the importance of rehabilitation programs for users who have been caught in drugs. According to him, this program is very important for those who have experienced addiction.
Through the right rehabilitation approach, the number of drug addictions is expected to be significantly reduced. In addition, he reminded that supervision of sea routes, especially on the east coast of Sumatra, must continue to be strengthened.
The area is often the main route for drug smuggling into Indonesia. With a comprehensive approach between prevention, action, and rehabilitation, he is optimistic that drug eradication will be more effective in the coming years.
National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo also supports the drug eradication efforts through the Astacita mission, which is one of the main focuses of the government under President Prabowo’s leadership.
General Sigit explained that the mission prioritizes political and legal reforms, as well as combating corruption and narcotics. The mission aims to create a safer and more prosperous society, in line with the vision of the nation’s leader born in 1951 to eradicate narcotics completely.
The Chief of Police emphasized to all ranks, from the central to regional levels, to map the entry routes of narcotics into Indonesia and take firm action against various modes of smuggling, including those controlled from within correctional institutions.
In order to motivate his officers, the Chief of Police has implemented a reward and punishment system, where personnel who successfully uncover major cases will be given awards, while those who fail or are negligent in their duties will be evaluated.
The Chief of Police also emphasized the need for strict supervision within the Police to ensure that no members are involved in drug abuse. For members who are proven to use drugs, they will be given spiritual guidance as well as physical and mental training. However, if similar actions are repeated, dismissal will be enforced as a form of strict enforcement of regulations within the Police.
President Prabowo’s intensive drug eradication efforts also reflect the government’s great concern for the drug problem that has harmed the country. The increasingly complex threat of drugs encourages the need for careful planning in combating the circulation of these illicit goods.
President Prabowo’s commitment to integrating prevention, law enforcement and rehabilitation approaches demonstrates the government’s strong determination to combat drug trafficking and ensure future generations are free from this threat.
President Prabowo realized that the influence of drugs not only impacts public health aspects, but is also a factor causing economic and security instability.
Through policies that focus on prevention and rehabilitation approaches, the government hopes to be able to present long-term solutions that not only reduce drug trafficking but also provide opportunities for users who are already trapped in the drug trap to get proper help and treatment. The rehabilitation approach is also in line with the government’s vision to create a more productive society and contribute positively to national development.
With these comprehensive steps, the government hopes to bring about real change in reducing the number of drug users and breaking up smuggling networks that endanger society.
Within a solid and sustainable cross-institutional framework, the Indonesian government under the leadership of President Prabowo is optimistic that it can realize an Indonesia that is free from the dangers of narcotics and create a safer and more prosperous society.
*) Social Policy Observer – Madani Institute Social Institution