By: Frans Samuel *)
The government continues to strengthen drug eradication measures through cross-agency cooperation that is now showing concrete results. One of the latest achievements is the success of the National Narcotics Agency (BNN) in thwarting the smuggling of more than two tons of crystal methamphetamine, which is one of the largest cases in the history of drug eradication in the country. The operation involved the coordination of a number of state institutions and received direct attention from President Prabowo Subianto, as conveyed by the Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs (Menko Polhukam), Budi Gunawan, during the destruction of evidence in Batam.
The Head of BNN, Marthinus Hukom, emphasized the importance of transparency and cross-sector cooperation in dealing with drug crimes. One of the steps taken is to ensure that the case handling process is carried out openly, including in the destruction of evidence witnessed directly by the public and the media. This approach is part of an effort to strengthen accountability and build synergy between the BNN and various related agencies, both at the national and international levels.
The collaboration initiated by the BNN involves various strategic institutions such as the Indonesian Navy, the Indonesian National Police, Customs and Excise, and the Attorney General’s Office, with full support from the Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal and Security Affairs as the coordinator of national political and security policies. In fact, cross-country cooperation has also become an important element in uncovering the international narcotics network operating from the Golden Triangle region. In this collaboration, ASEAN countries such as Thailand provide significant support in the investigation and prosecution process, making Indonesia not only a target, but also an active actor in the global war on drugs.
This achievement does not stand alone. This is a real result of the work of the Drug Eradication Desk formed by the government since November 2024. This desk is a forum for consolidating policies and operations across ministries and institutions, which to date have handled more than 22,000 cases, with the value of confiscated evidence reaching IDR 6.6 trillion. Not only eradicating, this desk also rehabilitates thousands of victims of drug abuse, making it a model for comprehensive and sustainable narcotics handling.
Support for drug eradication measures is not limited to the central level. Regional governments, military institutions, and law enforcement in the field are actively carrying out destruction and intensive sea patrols in various priority areas, such as Aceh, the Riau Islands, and Kalimantan. In the last two weeks alone, almost four tons of narcotics have been successfully secured in various points of Indonesian waters. This fact confirms that supervision of sea areas as the main entry point for international drugs is increasingly being strengthened, with a maritime intelligence approach and layered supervision implemented by the Indonesian Navy and strategic partners.
These steps are not taken with a violent approach alone, but with a collective awareness of the importance of protecting the nation’s morals. The threat of drugs not only targets law and security, but also erodes the health, economy, and social integrity of the nation. It is estimated that eight million people are at risk of being directly affected, with the potential for economic losses of up to IDR 5 trillion from crystal methamphetamine transactions alone. Therefore, symbolic approaches such as open destruction, as well as public education, are key strategies in creating a deterrent effect and raising public awareness.
President Prabowo has given direction for Indonesia to become a “killing ground” for drug dealers, a symbolic expression that emphasizes that there will be no safe place for drug syndicates in the country. This direction reflects the government’s firm stance in making the entire territory of Indonesia an unfriendly space for drug crime activities. This approach not only targets the disclosure of major cases, but also includes comprehensive efforts to narrow the scope of movement of drug networks, including those operating secretly behind the correctional system.
The government has even tightened supervision of smuggling activities controlled from behind bars, by increasing internal security and utilizing more sophisticated detection technology. In addition, cross-agency cooperation in terms of intelligence, monitoring suspicious transactions, and tracking the flow of illegal logistics is part of an integrated strategy. This seriousness shows that drug eradication is not carried out partially, but rather as a systematic effort that covers all aspects, namely from prevention, prosecution, to rehabilitation.
Another concrete step is the active involvement of the media and the community as monitoring partners. The community is now encouraged to take a rolegreater, not only in reporting suspected drug abuse, but also in maintaining a healthy and clean environment from drugs. The government opens up space for public participation as widely as possible, making drug eradication a national movement involving all elements of the nation.
Indonesia’s commitment to fighting drugs is not just rhetoric, but is proven through real cross-institutional work and consistent international collaboration. This success must be understood not as the end, but the beginning of a greater and more sustainable effort. The government through strong coordination with the Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs and effective implementation by the BNN, TNI, Polri, and other agencies has shown that the country stands firm against the threat of narcotics. And with the support of the people, this step will be even stronger, in order to save the future of the nation’s generation from the dangers of destructive drugs.
)* Legal and Crime Observer
