Combat Drug Abuse and Trafficking in Indonesian High-Risk Areas
This presentation will be featured at Indonesia 2025, on the 17.09.2025.
Author: Drs. Yuki Ruchimat, M.Si
Abstract:
Indonesia faces a persistent and complex challenge from drug abuse and illicit trafficking, a situation the government has declared a national emergency. The archipelagic nation's unique geography and socio-economic dynamics contribute significantly to its vulnerability, making it a critical focus for comprehensive intervention strategies. The prevalence of drug abuse in Indonesia, particularly within the 15-64 age group, remains a serious concern, despite a slight reported decline from 3.66 million users in 2021 to 3.33 million in 2023. The most commonly abused substances include marijuana and methamphetamine (meth), followed by ecstasy, ketamine, cocaine, and the misuse of prescription drugs. Amphetamine-Type Stimulants (ATS), such as crystal methamphetamine and synthetic cannabinoids, pose a particularly severe threat to public health and the social fabric.
The Indonesian government has established a robust framework to address the pervasive drug problem, with the National Narcotics Agency (BNN) at its core, implementing strategies that extend from national policy to local communities.
Addressing the complexity of drug abuse and trafficking in Indonesia necessitates a concerted effort involving a wide array of stakeholders, from government ministries to international donors and diverse community groups. This collaborative approach fosters comprehensive and integrated interventions.
Addressing the drug problem effectively requires tackling its underlying socio-economic drivers. Community economic empowerment and the development of alternative livelihoods are critical components of a sustainable strategy, aiming to reduce vulnerability and provide legitimate pathways to prosperity.
Effective drug prevention requires reaching communities at their most fundamental levels. In Indonesia, this involves leveraging the existing social structures of RT (Rukun Tetangga, neighbourhoods unit) and RW (Rukun Warga, community unit) to foster awareness, enable early detection, and support interventions.
Indonesia's efforts to combat drug trafficking and abuse, particularly through community empowerment, have demonstrated significant progress and innovative approaches. However, systemic challenges persist, necessitating a strategic re-evaluation and sustained commitment to a balanced, humane, and sustainable drug control policy.
