Appreciating the Effective Strategy in 100 Days of Prabowo-Gibran’s Government in Eradicating Drugs
By: Maya Naura Lingga)*
The strategic steps of the Prabowo Subianto and Gibran Rakabuming Raka administrations in the first 100 days show a strong commitment to eradicating drugs. The policies implemented not only target drug syndicates, but also prioritize a preventive approach and rehabilitation for victims of abuse. Various parties consider this strategy as a progressive step that greatly contributes to creating a safer and healthier environment for the nation’s next generation.
The Chairperson of the Indonesian Millennial Guard, Cici Nurain Pandey, assessed that the policies implemented by the government are currently real evidence of the seriousness in protecting the younger generation from the threat of drugs. Drug crimes have long been a serious threat that not only damages individuals, but also damages the social structure of society. With the firm policies taken, the younger generation gets more optimal protection from the bad influence of drugs.
The intensified anti-drug education program has further increased awareness of the dangers of drugs among young people, making them more vigilant and active in voicing the anti-drug movement. The humanist approach is also an important aspect of this strategy. The government ensures that drug users, who are often victims, not only receive punishment but also the opportunity to recover through rehabilitation.
With this approach, they can return to being part of a productive society. This rehabilitation program has been expanded to various regions by building more rehabilitation centers in collaboration with Islamic boarding schools, educational institutions, and health institutions. In addition, the use of technology in efforts to eradicate drugs has increased the effectiveness of monitoring and early detection of the circulation of these illicit goods.
The Coordinator of the Expert Group of the National Narcotics Agency (BNN), Ahwil Luthan, emphasized that the war on drugs is asymmetrical and requires a comprehensive and sustainable strategy.
Strengthening the education sector is the main key to preventing drug abuse early on. The Ministry of Education is mandated to optimize the anti-drug curriculum at all levels of education, from elementary school to college. In addition, collaboration with youth organizations and social communities has been strengthened so that socialization about the dangers of drugs can reach more people.
In addition to prevention through education, supervision in vulnerable areas such as the border has also been tightened to close drug smuggling routes, especially those originating from the Golden Triangle area.
International collaboration is increasingly being strengthened to ensure that smuggling networks can no longer operate freely in Indonesia. This step is believed to have a significant impact on suppressing drug trafficking in the country. Strengthening the coastal areas and the east coast of Sumatra is the main focus because sea routes are often used by drug trafficking networks.
Rehabilitation programs for drug users are another main focus. With more extensive and easily accessible treatment facilities, users have the opportunity to recover and avoid more severe dependence.
Ahwil emphasized that this strategy not only touches on the aspect of law enforcement, but also provides solutions for victims so that they can contribute to society again. Awareness campaigns regarding the importance of rehabilitation are also being increased, so that the negative stigma against former drug users can be reduced.
National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo has also taken aggressive steps in efforts to eradicate drugs by ensuring that dealers and distributors are given maximum sentences.
Recidivism crimes are a special concern, where perpetrators who have been caught repeatedly will not be given leniency. Strict law enforcement is expected to provide a deterrent effect and reduce the level of drug trafficking in society.
In addition to law enforcement, the Chief of Police also emphasized the importance of increasing the number of rehabilitation facilities in various regions. Local governments are encouraged to play an active role in building rehabilitation centers in collaboration with educational institutions, Islamic boarding schools, and other institutions.
Another step taken is the activation of anti-drug ambassadors from influencers and former drug users. This approach aims to increase public awareness of the dangers of drugs in a more effective and everyday way.
In addition, the chain of drug transactions is also broken by freezing accounts suspected of being related to drug trafficking. The implementation of new regulations related to money laundering in drug cases is also a focus in cutting off the flow of funds used by drug dealers.
The program to transform drug villages into drug-free villages has also shown positive results. To date, 90 of the 290 areas previously detected as drug trafficking centers have been successfully transformed into cleaner and safer environments.
This program involves various parties, including security forces, local governments, and local communities. These efforts are not only focused on eradicating drug networks, but also on economic and social empowerment for local residents so that they have better life choices.
With consistency and innovation that continues to be carried out, Indonesia is getting closer to its ideal of becoming a country free from the threat of drugs. With strategies that continue to develop and support from various elements of society, this drug eradication program has the potential to provide long-term positive impacts for the nation and state.
)* The author is a contributor to the Nusantara Reading Room
