*) By: Ahmad Ridwansyah
The government under the leadership of Prabowo Subianto and Gibran Rakabuming has an important agenda in eradicating drug trafficking in Indonesia. This commitment is one of the pillars of their priority program, which aims to create a healthy society free from the negative influence of narcotics. Eradicating drugs is not only about enforcing the law, but also an effort to protect the younger generation from threats that have the potential to damage the future of the nation.
On various occasions, President Prabowo emphasized that the threat of drugs must be addressed with real action. President Prabowo understands that drug trafficking in Indonesia has reached an alarming level. According to data from the National Narcotics Agency (BNN), the number of drug users in Indonesia continues to increase every year, with many cases involving international networks. This shows that the drug problem in Indonesia cannot be ignored and requires a firm and structured handling strategy.
Head of Criminal Investigation Unit of the Indonesian National Police, Commissioner General Wahyu Widada revealed that the data on drug users in Indonesia reached 3.3 million. This figure is very concerning and dangerous for the future of the nation’s next generation. Therefore, there needs to be an effort to combat drug trafficking in the country. He emphasized that the young generation in Indonesia needs to be protected from the dangers of drug exposure.
His party is paying attention to President Prabowo Subianto’s direction to eradicate drug trafficking as the main focus. Therefore, the Bhayangkara Corps will follow up on the order and continue to improve its performance in eradicating drugs in Indonesia. To provide a deterrent effect for perpetrators and dealers, his party will carry out actions against Money Laundering (TPPU), conduct asset tracking and confiscation of assets obtained from drug trafficking.
Meanwhile, the Director of Advocacy for the Deputy for Prevention of the BNN, Jafriedi said, the BNN continues to improve the handling of narcotics problems with several institutions such as PT Pelabuhan Indonesia (Pelindo). As a form of commitment and active contribution in the Prevention and Eradication of Abuse and Illicit Trafficking of Narcotics (P4GN), the BNN together with Pelindo implemented the MoU by providing knowledge and understanding related to narcotics from various aspects, starting from Prevention, Eradication, and Rehabilitation, so that they can see narcotics problems as a whole and determine an action plan in P4GN that can be implemented in the Pelindo environment.
Tightening of supervision at ports and airports needs to be continuously improved. Based on BNN data, Indonesia is often used as a transit route for international drug networks. Therefore, inspections in border areas will be tightened, and patrols at sea and in the air will be intensified. Thus, it is hoped that drug trafficking can be suppressed from the point of entry into Indonesia.
On the other hand, the government is also committed to increasing the socialization of the dangers of drugs through educational programs in schools and public campaigns that can be accessed by the wider community. The government realizes the importance of education as the main bulwark in preventing drug abuse, especially among the younger generation. Therefore, educational programs on the dangers of drugs will be inserted into the school curriculum, from elementary to high school levels, with materials that are easy to understand and relevant to each age level.
In addition, public campaigns will also be encouraged through various media, including social media, television, and radio, so that drug prevention messages can reach the wider community. The government will work with community leaders, public figures, and non-governmental organizations in strengthening this campaign, so that the community is increasingly aware of the detrimental effects of drugs. It is hoped that this step can create an anti-drug culture in society and increase collective awareness in maintaining the health and future of the nation’s generation.
Not only that, the Prabowo-Gibran government also highlighted the importance of rehabilitation for drug users. President Prabowo understands that drug users should not always be viewed as criminals, but also as victims who need support to recover and return to society. Rehabilitation is an important part of this effort, where the government is committed to providing adequate facilities for users who want to escape the clutches of drugs.
In addition to the rehabilitation aspect, the government is also focusing on repressive measures against drug dealer networks. This step was taken so that drug networks feel afraid and their presence in Indonesia is reduced. The government plans to apply heavier penalties for dealers and big bosses, as a form of firm deterrent effect. With this step, it is hoped that Indonesia can reduce the major influence of drug players who often bring these illicit goods into the country.
The Prabowo-Gibran government’s commitment to eradicating drugs must receive broad support from various parties, including community leaders and non-governmental organizations. Community support is a crucial aspect in making this program a success. The government also hopes that the community can report suspicious activities in their environment, so that they can be followed up immediately by the authorities.
In the future, the Prabowo-Gibran government will continue to strengthen the monitoring and law enforcement system in eradicating drugs. With good coordination between agencies and strong cooperation from the community, it is hoped that Indonesia can become a country that is safer from the threat of drugs.
*) Researcher of People’s Economy – Institute of Prosperous Economy