By: Angga Hardian
The government continues to strengthen its national strategy in the fight against drugs with a more comprehensive approach, involving various parties, and adapting methods to the conditions in each region. This commitment is reflected in various policies implemented, ranging from prevention, law enforcement, to rehabilitation. These efforts are not solely the responsibility of law enforcement agencies but also require support from the public to free Indonesia from the increasingly worrying threat of narcotics.
South Kalimantan Governor, H. Muhidin, emphasized that all elements of society must strengthen synergy within the Communication Forum for Prevention, Eradication, Abuse, and Illicit Circulation of Narcotics (P4GN). In a meeting represented by the Expert Staff in Government, Law, and Politics, Adi Santoso, he stressed that this forum serves as a strategic platform to strengthen a collective commitment to creating a drug-free South Kalimantan. He also highlighted that the issue of drugs does not only harm individuals but also destroys families, communities, and even national stability. Therefore, its handling must be comprehensive and involve various parties.
According to H. Muhidin, local governments play an important role in supporting national policies with programs that directly reach the community. One of the ongoing efforts is to promote education and socialization about the dangers of drugs, particularly in families and schools. Supervision from parents and the surrounding environment becomes a key factor in preventing the younger generation from falling into drug abuse. In addition, local governments also support the strengthening of regulations, capacity building for law enforcement agencies, and providing adequate rehabilitation facilities for drug users.
The Head of the National Narcotics Agency of South Kalimantan Province (BNNP), Brigadier General Pol. Wisnu Andayana, also emphasized the importance of synergy and collaboration in eradicating drug circulation. According to him, no single institution can work alone in tackling this issue. The success of the P4GN strategy in South Kalimantan has also been appreciated for its orderly and effective implementation.
Wisnu stressed that the approach should focus more on prevention by identifying areas vulnerable to drugs. He added that while rehabilitation is important to stop addiction, relying solely on rehabilitation without closing off the drug supply channels will not solve the problem. Therefore, prevention strategies should be more systematic and based on accurate data.
Meanwhile, the Head of the National Narcotics Agency (BNN) of Indonesia, Commissioner General Pol. Martinus Hukom, pointed out East Kalimantan, especially Samarinda, as a strategic area for drug trafficking. He explained that its geographical location, which is close to international trade routes such as the Malacca Strait and Vietnam, makes this region a prime target for drug syndicates. To address this issue, BNN has implemented a supply reduction strategy to curb the drug supply and a demand reduction strategy to decrease demand in society. These two approaches run simultaneously with a focus on inter-agency cooperation and active community participation.
In recent months, BNN, together with law enforcement agencies, has successfully thwarted various drug smuggling attempts, including those carried out via sea routes. One of the operations conducted earlier this year managed to arrest a drug trafficking network that was smuggling drugs through the waters of Kalimantan. This proves that drug trafficking routes are becoming more varied and require tighter supervision. Therefore, BNN continues to strengthen coordination with the Indonesian National Police, East Kalimantan Police, North Kalimantan Police, Customs, the Indonesian Navy, and local governments to ensure that drug entry points are effectively closed.
The government’s approach in combating drugs is not limited to law enforcement but also focuses on recovery efforts for users. BNN collaborates with the Ministry of Social Affairs, Ministry of Education, and various civil society organizations to provide rehabilitation programs that not only help address addiction but also equip former users with skills to reintegrate into society. Education and campaigns on the dangers of drugs are also being strengthened in schools, workplaces, and communities to raise public awareness of the harmful effects of narcotics.
Furthermore, the government is developing technology-based programs to enhance the effectiveness of drug eradication efforts. One innovation being implemented is the use of a digital mapping system to detect areas vulnerable to drugs and monitor drug distribution channels. With data-driven analysis, preventive and enforcement measures can be taken more precisely.
Another important initiative is involving the private sector in supporting anti-drug programs. Several companies have collaborated with the government in running rehabilitation programs for employees affected by drugs and tightening supervision in workplaces to prevent them from becoming hubs for illicit drug trafficking. This step is expected to help narrow the space for drug syndicates in the industrial and business sectors.
The success of drug eradication heavily depends on the collective awareness of the public. The government has provided various facilities and policies to support this effort, but without active public participation, the strategies implemented will not be fully effective. Therefore, all elements of society, from families, schools, workplaces, to communities, must share the same concern in tackling drug abuse.
With an increasingly strengthened strategy, the synergy between the government, law enforcement agencies, and the public is expected to bring tangible results in reducing drug abuse rates in Indonesia. Not only through stricter law enforcement but also by building awareness of the importance of living a drug-free life for the better future of the nation.
*) The author is a contributor to the Pertiwi Institute
