Appreciation of Law Enforcement Efforts of Government’s Commitment to Eradicate Narcotics
By: Moh Jasin)*
The Indonesian government continues to demonstrate its commitment to eradicating drug trafficking, which has become a serious problem throughout the world, including in Indonesia. Drug abuse not only damages individual health, but also has a broad impact on the social, economic, and security order of the country. In facing this challenge, firm and coordinated law enforcement efforts are an important key to reducing drug abuse rates.
In recent years, Indonesia has taken significant steps to strengthen its drug law enforcement system. Through various policies and regulations, the government has attempted to narrow the space for the circulation of these illicit goods. One of the major steps taken is to strengthen cooperation between various state institutions, both at the central and regional levels, to carry out comprehensive drug eradication operations.
A firm statement delivered by the Acting Head of Cipinang Prison, Fonika Affandi, about the government’s commitment that deserves appreciation in eradicating drugs in the correctional environment. The focus on creating a safe and conducive environment in Cipinang Prison, as well as the determination to realize a correctional system that is free from the influence of drugs, is a strategic step that is very relevant to the major challenges faced by correctional institutions throughout Indonesia.
The issue of drugs in correctional institutions is not new. A number of cases involving drug abuse and distribution in prisons often tarnish the image of the correctional institution itself. This, in turn, affects not only the safety and comfort of prison inmates, but can also have an impact on the wider community. Therefore, Fonika Affandi’s commitment to eradicating drugs and maintaining the integrity of the correctional system is very important, especially in Cipinang Prison, which is one of the largest prisons in Indonesia.
In addition to taking action against perpetrators, the government is also focusing on prevention and rehabilitation efforts. Counseling programs for the community about the dangers of drugs and the importance of healthy living continue to be intensified. Education for the younger generation is also an important part of reducing the potential for drug abuse in the future.
Deputy Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Corrections, Prof. Otto Hasibuan, said that 51 percent of prison inmates who are caught in drug cases, provides a clear picture of how big the drug threat is in Indonesia, especially in the correctional environment. This quite astonishing figure should be a serious concern, not only for the government, but also for all elements of society. This is because the drug problem is not only an individual problem, but also has broad social, economic, and security impacts.
Otto firmly stated that drug dealers are the main source of this problem. This statement underlines the importance of strict law enforcement against dealers, who have been the main driving force behind drug trafficking in Indonesia. Without strict action, including severe punishment for dealers, as suggested by Otto, it is difficult to imagine how Indonesia can effectively tackle the drug problem. The death penalty mentioned by Otto as a form of handling drug dealers who ruin the lives of many people is indeed an extreme step, but in the context of eradicating drugs which have become a serious threat to the nation, this approach is worth considering.
Not only on the side of action and prevention, the government also continues to improve existing regulations to be more effective in dealing with drug problems. Strengthening stricter laws and regulations against drug traffickers is one of the main focuses. One of them is by imposing heavier penalties for drug dealers, so that it can provide a deterrent effect and prevent more victims.
The Head of the National Narcotics Agency of the Republic of Indonesia (BNN RI), Police Commissioner General Marthinus Hukom, appreciated the commitment of the Sambas Regency Government in eradicating drugs, which is a positive step in efforts to overcome the narcotics problem in Indonesia. This also confirms that the war against drugs is not only the task of the central government, but also requires the active involvement of local governments. The appreciation given by Marthinus shows that BNN is aware of the importance of synergy between state institutions and local governments in facing the major challenges posed by drug trafficking.
The Sambas Regency Government has shown concrete steps by establishing the Sambas Regency Narcotics Agency (BNK Sambas) office, which of course will strengthen drug eradication efforts at the local level. The existence of the BNK office at the district level is not only a symbol of support for drug eradication, but also a strategic starting point for combating drug trafficking in the region. With the existence of this office, it is hoped that the Sambas Regency Government can be more optimal in designing prevention, rehabilitation, and action programs against drug trafficking.
The government’s commitment to eradicating drugs can be seen from the various steps that have been taken, although the challenges are still great. In the future, success in overcoming the drug problem depends heavily on the sustainability of these efforts, as well as consistency in implementing established policies. With solid cooperation between all parties, it is not impossible that Indonesia can be freer from the threat of drugs and create a better future for future generations.
)* The author is a Military and Defense Consultant – Mandala Strategic Analysis Institute
