Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Budi Gunawan states that Indonesia is currently facing a drugs emergency, with 3.3 million users reported nationwide in 2024.
Speaking at a press conference at the National Police Headquarters on Thursday, December 5, Gunawan emphasized the country’s escalating drugs problem, revealing that Indonesia has become not only a consumer market but also a producer and key target for drugs trafficking.
“Indonesia is currently in a state of drugs emergency,” Gunawan stated. “The country is no longer just a consumer; it has become a target market and one of the world’s drugs producers.”
The minister noted that Indonesia is grappling with a significant drugs problem, with usage spreading from major urban areas to remote regions.
“The number of drugs users in Indonesia is substantial, and its distribution has expanded beyond big cities, reaching even the most remote areas,” Gunawan stated.
He further revealed that in 2024, drugs abuse cases have climbed to 3.3 million, with the users among young people, particularly those aged 15 to 24, alarmingly high.
“By 2024, the prevalence of drugs abuse in Indonesia reached 3.3 million, predominantly involving the youth, aged between 15 to 24,” Gunawan said.
Gunawan also highlighted the financial magnitude of the drugs trade, citing intelligence reports that estimate drugs-related money laundering in Indonesia from 2022 to 2024 at approximately Rp99 trillion (around $6.4 billion).
Narcotics Eradication Task Force
Respond to the current condition, the government has intensified its efforts to combat drugs trafficking and abuse. Gunawan announced that the National Narcotics Eradication Task Force, led by National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit, is ramping up enforcement actions.
“The task force will continue to take firm and massive actions, including tracing and freezing drugs-related funds and applying anti-money laundering laws against dealers and syndicates,” Gunawan asserted.
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Gunawan emphasized that the Narcotics Eradication Task Force will continue to implement robust and comprehensive enforcement measures. Gunawan stated that these actions align with directives issued by President Prabowo Subianto.
The initiative forms part of President Prabowo’s “Asta Cita” program, a policy agenda focused on addressing national challenges, including drugs eradication.
With the task force’s strengthened measures, Indonesia aims to curtail the devastating social and economic impact of drugs abuse, particularly among its youth.
(Raidi/Agung)
