BNN and Russia strengthen oversight of narcotics networks in Bali

Indonesia’s National Narcotics Agency (BNN) and the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation have agreed to strengthen cooperation in eradicating narcotics for the 2026–2027 period, with a focus on monitoring cross-border narcotics networks, particularly in vulnerable areas such as Bali. BNN Chief Commissioner General of Police Suyudi Ario Seto stated that both countries view drug trafficking as a transnational crime requiring joint handling. “This Indonesia-Russia cooperation is expected to sever supply chains, close the operational space for international networks, and strengthen public protection from the threat of narcotics, especially in tourist destination areas like Bali,” Suyudi said in a statement received in Jakarta on Saturday. He noted that one focus of the cooperation is tightening surveillance in vulnerable areas through enhanced real-time intelligence data exchange and strengthening synergy between law enforcement officers and immigration authorities. Suyudi emphasised that firm action, including deportation, will be applied against foreign nationals proven to be involved in illicit drug trafficking networks. Additionally, both countries agreed to strengthen cooperation in facing the development of digital crime by increasing human resource capacity in the fields of digital forensics, cyber investigation, and tracking cryptocurrency asset transactions often used for money laundering from narcotics crimes. Indonesia and Russia also committed to increasing information exchange regarding the circulation of new psychoactive substances (NPS), including those disguised in electronic cigarettes. The agreement was reached during a bilateral meeting between BNN RI and the Russian Federation on 22–23 June 2026 in Moscow. During the meeting, the Indonesian delegation was received by Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation Igor Zubov and Head of the Main Directorate for Narcotics Control of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation Ivan Valentinovich Gorbunov. The series of agendas concluded with a visit to the Safe City System facility and the laboratory centre of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation to study the surveillance system and forensic technology used.