Commitment to Eradicating Drugs as a Follow-up to President Prabowo Subianto’s Asta Cita Program
By: Dirandra Falguni)*
The government has made various massive efforts to eradicate drug trafficking. Various places that are indicated as places for illegal drug trafficking are the main targets for eradication as part of the Asta Cita program initiated by President Prabowo Subianto. This program shows the government’s strong commitment to eradicating drug crimes that threaten the younger generation and the stability of society.
One of the concrete steps to follow up on President Prabowo’s Asta Cita is the target of eradicating drug villages within the next 100 days. The Head of the Criminal Investigation Agency (Kabareskrim) of the Indonesian National Police, Commissioner General Wahyu Widada, in a press conference held on November 1, 2024 at the National Police Headquarters, South Jakarta, stated that the National Police already has a clear picture of the areas that are the bases for drug trafficking in Indonesia.
The commitment shows a collaborative approach, where the Police will not only take action on land, but also strengthen surveillance in border areas and waters that are often the main routes for drug smuggling from international networks. In addition, surveillance is also tightened in border areas by instructing the ranks of the Regional Police to increase patrols and surveillance in their respective areas.
The Head of the National Narcotics Agency (BNN), Commissioner General of Police Marthinus Hukom, revealed that Indonesia has more than 900 villages known as “drug villages.” These areas are generally located in areas with complex social and economic problems. This situation is exploited by drug dealers to dominate and control the people in the village, forming a relationship known as patron-client.
This patron-client relationship further complicates eradication because people in drug villages often feel dependent on the dealers. Therefore, the Asta Cita program prioritizes a comprehensive approach, not only arresting the perpetrators, but also providing rehabilitation programs and social and economic support to change the situation in these villages.
In implementing this program, the National Police and the National Narcotics Agency are working together with various parties to close all drug distribution channels. The National Police Chief, General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, instructed all his staff to destroy the drug network to its roots. This aims to address the problem from its source and not only focus on small perpetrators who are part of a larger drug network.
The National Police and BNN also strengthened coordination with other institutions, such as Customs and Excise and the Water and Air Police Unit. This step was taken so that action could be carried out more comprehensively and effectively, both in terms of arresting dealers and monitoring distribution routes. By combining the strength and resources of various agencies, the government hopes to be able to close all drug smuggling routes entering Indonesia, whether by land, sea, or air.
Eradicating drug villages is not just about arrests, but also includes a holistic approach to addressing the root of the problem involving social and economic factors. Therefore, the BNN has designed a rehabilitation and assistance program for people trapped in the drug village lifestyle. This program includes providing rehabilitation services for drug users, efforts to improve the economic welfare of the community, and education about the dangers of drugs.
This approach is expected to break the cycle of community dependence on drug dealers. By improving community welfare and providing healthier and more productive alternatives, this program aims to reduce the appeal and community dependence on drug dealers. In addition, BNN also collaborates with educational and health institutions to provide a better understanding to the community about the dangers of drugs and the importance of maintaining a healthy and drug-free environment.
Of course, eradicating drug villages is not an easy task. In addition to structural and social challenges in society, many drug dealers have strong access and influence so that they are able to control the surrounding community. Therefore, consistent and continuous efforts are needed from various parties to achieve optimal results.
Through the Asta Cita program, President Prabowo Subianto hopes to create a drug-free Indonesia. The government’s strong commitment, as seen in the target of eradicating drug villages within 100 days, is clear evidence that Indonesia will not compromise on drug trafficking that damages the younger generation and the future of the nation. If drug villages can be effectively eradicated, this will be an important foundation for a safer and more prosperous society.
The Asta Cita program promoted by President Prabowo Subianto aims to not only eradicate drug trafficking directly, but also build a strong social resilience system at the community level. In addition to arresting drug lords and controlling borders, the program is designed to develop a sustainable community empowerment pattern. Through synergy between law enforcement officers and community institutions, the program also targets changes in the mindset of the community, so that they can see healthier and more productive alternatives, distancing themselves from the destructive drug crime network. This comprehensive approach is expected to transform the drug village environment into a more independent area free from the influence of drugs, creating a better future for the next generation.
)* The author is a contributor to Beritakapuas.com
