By: Dika Rahma
The war on drugs in Indonesia continues at a high intensity. The government, through various ministries and institutions, has demonstrated a strong commitment to eradicating the illicit trafficking and abuse of narcotics, which now targets not only urban areas but has also infiltrated remote villages, educational institutions, and even correctional facilities. The challenges faced are not only the increasing number of cases, but also increasingly sophisticated, organized modus operandi, involving international networks. In facing this complexity, the government emphasizes that drug eradication cannot be carried out sectorally and partially. It requires integrated, cross-sectoral action that is sustainable, systematic, and based on collaboration.
In this context, the national strategy for the prevention and eradication of drug abuse and illicit trafficking (P4GN) continues to be strengthened. The National Narcotics Agency (BNN), as the vanguard in this agenda, plays a central role in formulating policies, coordinating cross-sectoral programs, and mobilizing public participation. Improving coordination between the National Narcotics Agency (BNN), the National Police (Polri), the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), the Prosecutor’s Office (AGO), and the Courts is crucial, given the numerous drug cases that have broad legal, security, and social implications. Meanwhile, local governments are not standing idly by.
One concrete step reflecting the strengthening of integrated action is the launch of Presidential Instruction Number 2 of 2020 concerning the National Action Plan for Combating and Combating Drugs (P4GN). Through this regulation, ministries/institutions, down to village governments, are mandated to develop and implement their respective action plans, in accordance with their capacity and authority. In its implementation, the P4GN program is implemented through a holistic approach, encompassing preventive, repressive, and rehabilitative efforts. Anti-drug education has begun to be integrated into formal and non-formal education curricula. Furthermore, strengthening early detection through urine tests for civil servants, students, and private sector workers is a prevention strategy now routinely implemented in many institutions.
Equally important is the dimension of enforcement, which has now been enhanced in quality and reach. The police and the National Narcotics Agency (BNN) are now not only targeting low-level users and dealers, but are also attempting to penetrate high-level networks connected to international syndicates. In recent years, Indonesia has become one of the most active countries in thwarting cross-border drug smuggling, particularly by sea.
In an effort to change public attitudes toward drugs, public campaign approaches are also being intensified. The BNN and the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology are collaborating to disseminate anti-drug messages through various media platforms, including social media, which has now become the primary communication tool for the younger generation. This campaign no longer uses a purely scare-mongering approach, but rather prioritizes values-based education, health impacts, and the importance of maintaining a healthy and productive future. The annual commemoration of International Anti-Narcotics Day (HANI) also serves as a moment of reflection and strengthens the national commitment to collectively combat the dangers of drugs.
Community leaders, religious figures, and celebrities are also beginning to be involved in this movement. They are considered to have significant influence in shaping public opinion and encouraging behavioral change. A religious figure, the Head of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) for Da’wah and Brotherhood, stated that drug eradication is not solely the responsibility of the authorities, but rather a social jihad that must involve all parties, including religious scholars, teachers, and parents. He argued that if the younger generation is corrupted by drugs, the nation’s future will also be damaged.
Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs, General (ret.) Budi Gunawan, emphasized that the success of drug eradication is not solely determined by the number of arrests, but also by the strength of inter-agency synergy and public awareness in rejecting drugs from an early age. He believes that without concrete collaboration from all elements of government, the danger of drugs will continue to slowly but surely erode the nation’s future.
Meanwhile, the Head of the National Narcotics Agency (BNN), Commissioner General of Police Dr. Marthinus Hukom, stated that the drug threat has now shifted to the digital realm, and therefore conventional approaches alone are insufficient. He believes that innovation in eradication strategies, including collaboration with digital platforms and cyberspace monitoring, is a crucial element in combating the increasingly hidden and fragmented drug trafficking methods.
Despite various steps taken, challenges remain. Drugs are now targeting the digital generation with increasingly stealthy methods, such as sales through instant messaging apps or delivery using courier services. Therefore, collaboration withThe technology and logistics sectors are becoming crucial. The government is now encouraging digital platforms and delivery service companies to actively detect and report suspicious drug-related activity. In fact, regulations regarding platform responsibilities in preventing the distribution of illicit substances are being drafted as an effort to adapt policies to current developments.
The government’s integrated action in eradicating drugs demonstrates the state’s presence in protecting its people from unseen, latent dangers. This war is not just about arrests and punishments, but also about saving the younger generation from a ruined future. Going forward, this commitment must be continuously maintained, strengthened, and safeguarded by all elements of the nation. Because only with unity and collective awareness can Indonesia be free from the threat of drugs, moving towards a healthy, productive, and competitive society.
)*Political Issues Observer
