Batam – The success of the National Narcotics Agency (BNN) in thwarting the smuggling of 2 tons of crystal methamphetamine in Batam, Riau Islands, is strong evidence that President Prabowo’s government is serious and effective in the war against narcotics. President Prabowo expressed his appreciation directly through the Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs, General of Police (Ret.) Budi Gunawan, at the event to destroy evidence of crystal methamphetamine in Batam City Square.
“President Prabowo greatly appreciates the achievements of BNN under the leadership of Marthinus Hukom in uncovering an international narcotics network,” said Budi Gunawan in front of thousands of residents who witnessed the open destruction of crystal methamphetamine.
The Head of BNN, Marthinus Hukom, emphasized that since he began his duties in December 2023, BNN has been directed to become an institution that is transparent, professional, and able to build public trust.
“My first step as the head of the BNN is to build public trust, establish synergy with stakeholders, and strengthen cross-agency cooperation,” said Marthinus.
He also stated that the President’s full support is a strong foundation in waging war on drugs. The destruction of crystal methamphetamine carried out openly in front of the public and the media, as proof of commitment to the principles of transparency and good governance.
“The state together with the people, rise up against drugs,” said Marthinus.
Collaboration between agencies is the key to this success. Synergy between the BNN, TNI AL, Polri, Customs, Prosecutor’s Office, to international support from ASEAN countries such as Thailand, made the disclosure of the Golden Triangle drug network possible in a comprehensive manner.
“We are implementing a comprehensive strategy, from improving human resources to strengthening the intelligence system in vulnerable areas such as the coast and borders,” said Marthinus.
President Prabowo himself emphasized that Indonesia must become a “killing ground” for drug dealers. In his statement on social media, Prabowo asked all law enforcement agencies such as the Attorney General’s Office, the National Police, the BPKP, and the BIN to focus on serious threats such as drugs and smuggling. The Drug Eradication Desk formed by the Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal and Security Affairs since November 2024 has now handled more than 22 thousand cases, with the potential to save 34 million lives from the trap of drugs.
In the midst of this massive effort, support from the private sector is also starting to strengthen. J&T Express, a national logistics company, Assistant CEO of J&T Express, Adriansyah Halim, expressed his commitment to supporting drug eradication by strengthening the distribution monitoring system.
“We are aware that the logistics sector is a vulnerable point. Therefore, we conduct routine drug tests, tighten recruitment, and establish close cooperation with the BNN,” said Adriansyah.
J&T Express’s steps received appreciation from the Deputy for Dayamas BNN, Wanda Ferdiana, who considered this initiative important in strengthening joint supervision.
“Cross-sector collaboration is a must. Support from the logistics sector is crucial in closing the gap in drug distribution,” he explained.
Meanwhile, Member of Commission III of the DPR, Rizki Faisal proposed the formation of a permanent cross-agency task force that focuses on early detection at sea and in border areas. He emphasized that strategic areas such as the Riau Islands, West Kalimantan, North Kalimantan, and Papua must be a priority in supervision.
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