By: Arvino Pradipta
The Indonesian government continues to demonstrate a strong commitment to eradicating illicit drug trafficking through more targeted, measurable, and collaborative law enforcement. In recent months, the police, in cooperation with related institutions, have successfully uncovered major transnational drug networks while simultaneously strengthening prevention and rehabilitation efforts aimed at the most vulnerable segments of society.
Intensive operations conducted by the Criminal Investigation Agency (Bareskrim) of the National Police from April to June 2025 reflect a significant increase in enforcement capacity. These operations led to the seizure of over 680 kilograms of narcotics, including methamphetamine, marijuana, and ecstasy, originating from Southeast Asian syndicates.
The arrest of 285 suspects, including seven foreign nationals, indicates that Indonesia remains a prime target for international drug networks. The success lies not only in the quantity of drugs seized but also in the dismantling of the logistical and financial routes used to disguise criminal operations.
According to Brigadier General Mukti Juharsa, Director of Narcotics Crime at Bareskrim, the operation is the result of coordinated efforts between national task forces and cross-border collaboration networks. The police are not only targeting users and couriers but also focusing on those involved in financing and distribution.
Efforts to trace the flow of illicit drug money have also resulted in the freezing of assets worth IDR 26 billion, including luxury vehicles, properties, and bank accounts used for money laundering. This strategy aims not only to dismantle the operational aspects of drug syndicates but also to destroy their financial foundations.
Meanwhile, the National Narcotics Agency (BNN) continues to expand its oversight and enforcement reach. BNN Chief Commissioner General Marthinus Hukom emphasized that Indonesia must remain vigilant against the shifting and increasingly decentralized nature of drug distribution.
Marthinus noted that East and Southeast Asia have seen a surge in large-scale methamphetamine trafficking, with Indonesia serving as a key transit hub. In the first half of 2025 alone, BNN thwarted the circulation of more than two tons of methamphetamine in Riau Islands and North Sumatra—originating entirely from international syndicates connected to producers in the Golden Triangle region.
Drug eradication efforts in Indonesia have evolved beyond simple sting operations. The approach now includes in-depth investigations, inter-agency cooperation, and intelligence sharing with partner countries.
To this end, BNN is strengthening its synergy with customs, immigration, and maritime security forces to identify previously undetected illegal entry points. Financial institutions are also increasingly involved to break the drug crime money chain.
Nevertheless, the government acknowledges that a repressive approach alone is insufficient to address the increasingly complex drug problem. Therefore, prevention and rehabilitation efforts are being expanded to the grassroots level. Programs such as Desa Bersinar (Drug-Free Villages), skills training for vulnerable groups, and the strengthening of family and community roles are integral parts of the national drug eradication strategy. These initiatives reach thousands of villages and schools, engaging community leaders, volunteers, and youth organizations to build social resilience against the drug threat.
UN Resident Coordinator in Indonesia, Gita Sabharwal, stated that Indonesia’s approach to tackling drug threats reflects progressive and balanced leadership. The government is not only demonstrating firm law enforcement but also a strong commitment to social recovery and the protection of the younger generation.
According to Gita, drug trafficking poses a systemic threat to sustainable development—impacting health, economic stability, and societal well-being. Internationally, Indonesia has also been recognized as proactive in promoting multilateral cooperation, including data sharing and regulatory harmonization in combating cross-border drug trafficking.
The synergy between the central government, law enforcement agencies, rehabilitation institutions, and the international community is key to addressing the increasingly sophisticated drug trade. Various indicators show that the government’s comprehensive approach has effectively reduced drug distribution risks, lowered the number of new users, and restored affected individuals through human rights-based rehabilitation programs.
With rising seizure volumes and the successful dismantling of major networks, Indonesia’s law enforcement efforts against drug crimes are now gaining recognition both domestically and internationally. Policy consistency, firm action against key actors, and community involvement form a solid foundation for building national protection against the narcotics threat.
In addition to strengthening domestic efforts, Indonesia is also actively developing international diplomatic networks to combat drug trafficking. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia continues to foster bilateral and multilateral cooperation to enhance cross-border surveillance mechanisms.
A concrete outcome of these efforts is the signing of memorandums of understanding with countries in the Pacific and South Asia in the field of narcotics control. These agreements cover joint training, intelligence sharing, and synchronization of monitoring systems.
These strategic steps underscore that the fight against drugs is not only a war on crime but also a crucial component of national development. By treating drug abuse as a cross-sectoral issue, the Indonesian government proves that its commitment to safeguarding the nation is aligned with the broader mission of improving the overall quality of life for its people.
*) The writer is a Public Policy Observer