Prabowo-Gibran Government Pushes for National Synergy to Eradicate Drug Trafficking
By: Joanna Alexandra Putri )*
Indonesia is facing one of the biggest challenges in its history, namely the rampant distribution of narcotics. President Prabowo Subianto has firmly called for the need for national synergy to eradicate this threat. The commitment shown by the government is a great hope for the community who want a safer environment and a brighter future.
President Prabowo’s concrete steps in prioritizing drug eradication not only involve law enforcement officers, but also embrace all elements of society and international cooperation. The invitation to the community to be actively involved is an important foundation in the long struggle against drugs.
Drug trafficking in Indonesia has touched almost all levels of society. Villages that were once considered safe are now not free from the clutches of this illicit substance. The bad influence of drugs not only damages the mental and physical of individuals, but also causes enormous social and economic impacts.
Losing the younger generation due to drug addiction is a serious threat to the sustainability of the nation. In this context, the war against drugs is no longer just the task of law enforcement, but a collective responsibility involving all levels of society.
President Prabowo has on various occasions emphasized the importance of strict law enforcement and strengthening the national defense system to combat the threat of drugs. One concrete example is his initiative to strengthen international relations to address this problem.
During his state visit to Peru, Prabowo joined hands with President Dina Boluarte to discuss strategic steps in combating cross-border drug trafficking. The agreement to strengthen the stability of the Pacific region is one of the initial steps in narrowing the room for drug criminals to move.
Indonesia’s cooperation with other countries such as Peru shows that the drug problem is not only a domestic challenge, but also a global threat. The Pacific region, which is often a strategic route for international drug trafficking, requires special attention.
Cross-border collaboration is key to closing the gaps exploited by international drug networks. By building strong alliances, Indonesia not only strengthens its position in combating drug trafficking but also makes a positive contribution to regional stability.
However, the threats faced by Indonesia do not only come from abroad. Domestically, the threats are increasingly complex with the emergence of local drug production. The year 2024 became a critical point when two clandestine laboratories were successfully uncovered in Bali and Banten. This finding is an alarm that Indonesia is not only a target for distribution, but also a location for drug production.
The National Narcotics Agency (BNN) led by Marthinus Hukom has demonstrated its role as the vanguard in combating this threat. BNN has strengthened its intelligence capabilities by involving competent personnel and collaborating with international partners, including the Australian Federal Police (AFP).
Cooperation with AFP is one form of strategic collaboration that is expected to increase the effectiveness of BNN in dismantling drug networks. Support in the form of training and information sharing from AFP provides great benefits for Indonesia in facing increasingly sophisticated threats.
In addition, BNN also continues to strengthen educational campaigns to raise public awareness of the dangers of drugs. This education is an important step in preventing drug abuse early on.
At the local level, local governments have a strategic role in preventing drug trafficking. Gunung Mas Regency DPRD member Rayaniatie Djangkan emphasized the importance of a comprehensive, integrative, and sustainable handling system.
Regional governments must be proactive in issuing policies that close the space for drugs to move, both in educational environments, places of worship, and rural areas. In addition, regional apparatus must also work together to support the central government’s efforts to eradicate drugs.
Rayaniatie also highlighted the importance of the community’s role in supporting law enforcement officers. In remote areas with limited officers, active community participation is essential. By providing accurate information and supporting anti-drug policies, the community can be part of the solution.
He also gave appreciation to the police who continue to fight drugs, even though the challenges in the field are very large. The role of the police as the spearhead of law enforcement will not be effective without full support from the community.
The steps taken by President Prabowo, BNN, local governments, and law enforcement officers show that the war on drugs is a joint struggle. Synergy between the central government, local governments, and the community must continue to be strengthened.
Equally important, these efforts must be accompanied by a long-term strategy involving education, prevention, and firm action. With active community support, Indonesia has a great opportunity to eradicate drug trafficking to its roots.
The war on drugs is not just about eradicating crime, but also about saving the future of the nation. Every small step taken, from education in the family environment to national-level policies, has a big impact in creating an Indonesia free from the threat of drugs.
Let us support these steps together. The future of the young generation and the stability of the nation are in our hands. We must unite against this threat, for a better Indonesia.
)* Contributor Jeka Media Institute
