Batam – The government through the National Narcotics Agency (BNN) continues to be committed to eradicating drug trafficking, one of which is by directly involving the community in the process of destroying drug evidence.
Recently, the BNN destroyed around two tons of crystal methamphetamine by inviting public participation as a form of transparency and accountability in law enforcement. On that occasion, the public was even given direct access to check the type and weight of the evidence before it was destroyed openly.
In his statement, the Head of the BNN, Marthinus Hukom expressed his high appreciation to the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, who has formulated Asta Cita and made drug eradication one of the national priority programs. He added that drug eradication is an integral part of the big mission towards Indonesia Emas 2045 which is free from the threat of narcotics.
“This policy direction is a moral foundation for all of us to carry out our duties consistently and firmly in order to save the nation’s generation,” said Marthinus.
Head of the Riau Islands Province BNN, Brigadier General Hanny Hidayat. He emphasized that this action was not merely symbolic, but a momentum for the revival of collective spirit to fight drugs together. The thwarting of the distribution of two tons of crystal methamphetamine is estimated to have saved up to eight million lives, assuming one gram of crystal methamphetamine was consumed by four people.
“Today we are not only destroying evidence, but also igniting a collective spirit to fight drugs,” said Hanny.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Governor of the Riau Islands, Nyanyang Haris Pratamura, said that the success of this operation showed the importance of synergy between law enforcement officers and the community in creating an environment free from the threat of narcotics.
“This success is real proof that the state is present and does not hesitate to act firmly in protecting the younger generation from the dangers of drugs. Prevention is better than action, and this step requires active participation from all citizens,” said Nyanyang.
He also invited all levels of society to be active in the anti-drug movement, especially in the Riau Islands region which is very strategic and vulnerable to being used as an international drug entry route.
“The unity of all elements is needed so that our region does not become a gateway for drugs,” he added.
The steps taken by the BNN prove that the war on drugs cannot be done unilaterally. Public involvement is a strategic force in detecting, reporting, and preventing drug abuse early on. Public support, coupled with strong central government policy direction, is the main key in protecting the future of Indonesia’s young generation.**
