Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — In a surprising policy shift, Indonesia’s National Narcotics Agency (BNN) announced it will no longer arrest celebrities caught using illegal drugs, citing the unintended consequences of turning high-profile arrests into a free drug advertisement.
BNN Chief Commissioner General Marthinus Hukom explained on Thursday evening (June 26, 2025) that the decision is rooted in concerns over the media that typically follows such cases.
“When we arrest a celebrity and the media covers it excessively, we’re essentially giving drugs free publicity,” Marthinus said.
He emphasized that celebrities wield enormous influence, especially over younger generations. Their actions are widely reported and easily consumed by the public, turning personal drug scandals into national talking points. Marthinus argued, this visibility may actually normalize drug use rather than deter it.
However, BNN made clear the policy does not mean drug crimes will go unpunished. Celebrities involved in drug trafficking or dealing will still face legal consequences. “If someone is a dealer, they must be held accountable under the law,” said Marthinus.
He further clarified that BNN’s stance reflects a shift in how the agency views drug users, not as criminals, but as victims in need of support.
“I stand by the principle that users are victims. They need rehabilitation, not incarceration,” he stated, underscoring the agency’s evolving, family-centered approach to addiction treatment.
The agency plans to direct celebrity drug users toward rehabilitation programs, supported by their families and social circles, rather than arresting them and subjecting them to public shaming.
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While drug users were directed toward recovery, BNN is intensifying efforts to dismantle major drug networks. One recent case involved the arrest of Dewi Astutik, also known as Paryatin, who is believed to be the mastermind behind a massive international drug syndicate.
Authorities say she was responsible for smuggling two tons of methamphetamine into Indonesia via the Riau Islands. Dewi reportedly operated from the Golden Triangle, a notorious hub of Southeast Asian drug trafficking encompassing parts of Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos.
Though BNN’s new approach has sparked debate, the agency insists its ultimate goal is to disrupt the unintended promotion of narcotics while helping users recover and reintegrate into society without stigma.
(Raidi/Agung)
