By: Muhammad Ardan )*
President Prabowo Subianto has demonstrated a strong commitment to the war on drugs in Indonesia, by strengthening regulations and directing various law enforcement agencies to close any loopholes that allow for the distribution and smuggling of narcotics. The President’s support for the eradication of drugs is not only a normative directive, but also a priority agenda in his government’s Asta Cita. Under Prabowo’s leadership, this program focuses on strengthening political, legal, and bureaucratic reforms as well as eradicating corruption, drugs, gambling, and smuggling firmly and comprehensively.
President Prabowo’s instructions have received a serious response from the National Police, especially in efforts to prevent drug trafficking through integrated law enforcement operations. The Head of the Criminal Investigation Unit of the National Police, Commissioner General Wahyu Widada, stated that the police, together with the Attorney General’s Office, BNN, PPATK, Directorate General of Customs and Excise, and other agencies, are carrying out integrated operations to break the chain of narcotics distribution from upstream to downstream. Wahyu emphasized that full commitment is demonstrated through real actions in the field, including the disclosure of large-scale cases and intensive operations that have taken place over the past two months, from September to October. In the operation, various types of drugs in fantastic quantities were successfully confiscated, proving the seriousness of the National Police in creating a safer environment for the community, especially the younger generation.
As a form of real support for Asta Cita implemented by President Prabowo, the police have implemented strategic steps to minimize drug trafficking. National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo specifically ordered the police to implement a comprehensive approach in handling drugs, covering aspects of supply and demand , so as to be able to suppress drug trafficking in all lines. This directive reflects a grand vision to build an Indonesia that is free from various forms of crime with a long-term perspective. Not only is the disclosure of major cases a priority, but also action against officers involved. Strict law enforcement is implemented to ensure the integrity of officers in carrying out the mission of eradicating drugs.
Head of BNN, Commissioner General of Police Marthinus Hukom, underlined the problems related to the existence of drug villages in various regions. According to him, there are more than 900 locations in Indonesia controlled by big dealers in a patron-client social structure. In this context, people in drug villages have a relationship of dependence on dealers that affects them socially and economically. This phenomenon is a major challenge for the government because drug dealers take advantage of socio-economic conditions to build drug distribution networks that are difficult to solve. BNN responded with steps to weaken the influence of these dealers, including arrest operations and an economic and social-based approach to the affected communities.
In line with the BNN’s efforts, the National Police also continues to collaborate with the community to transform drug villages into drug-free villages. This step includes counseling programs and strengthening support for the community so that they can be economically independent and no longer tied to the dealers’ networks. In addition, the National Police utilizes the rehabilitation aspect for drug users, with the hope of preventing them from getting caught up in the illicit drug trafficking circle again. This approach not only targets user recovery, but also includes preventive measures that have an impact on efforts to eradicate drugs as a whole.
In border areas and airports, strict surveillance is carried out to anticipate drug smuggling through various modes. In Aceh, for example, Banda Aceh Police Chief, Senior Commissioner Fahmi Irwan Ramli, ordered intensive surveillance at Sultan Iskandar Muda International Airport, following the increase in smuggling through the airport. Cross-agency cooperation is carried out synergistically to minimize access to narcotics through air and sea borders. This monitoring activity is not only carried out at the airport, but also at a number of other vulnerable points. The police in various regions also continue to conduct daily patrols and monitoring as a form of commitment to supporting President Prabowo’s direction to overcome drug trafficking with more systematic and sustainable methods.
The comprehensive approach implemented by the government in dealing with the drug problem also includes social, economic, and psychological aspects. Under the Asta Cita vision, rehabilitation centers are strengthened and expanded to reach more people, especially drug users who need to be rehabilitated. This rehabilitation initiative aims to reduce dependence on narcotics, so that people can reintegrate productively. Rehabilitation is an inseparable step from the prevention and eradication strategy, because the government realizes the importance of recovery support for victims of drug abuse.
The grand vision created by President Prabowo in eradicating drugs has received full support from various elements of government and society. The success of the joint operation carried out by the BNN, Polri, and other related institutions shows solid synergy in overcoming the threat of drugs. President Prabowo’s direction provides strong encouragement to continue fighting the threat of narcotics with increasing intensity. The Indonesian government shows that the agenda of eradicating drugs is not just rhetoric, but a real step that is planned comprehensively in order to create a healthy generation and a safe environment.
)* The author is a contributor to Pertiwi Institute
