BNN Head Requests Narcotics Bill to Retain BNN's Investigative Authority

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The head of the National Narcotics Agency (BNN), Suyudi Ario Seto, has requested that the Narcotics and Psychotropics Bill continue to regulate BNN as one of the institutions authorised to conduct investigations into drug crime cases.

Suyudi stated that the draft bill, adjusted to align with the new Criminal Procedure Code (KUHAP), explicitly removes the nomenclature or mention of BNN, thereby creating ambiguity.

“This certainly creates ambiguity and raises particular concerns for BNN, as it has the potential to weaken the National BNN institutionally,” Suyudi said during a meeting with Commission III of the House of Representatives (DPR RI) to discuss the Narcotics and Psychotropics Bill at the parliamentary complex in Jakarta on Tuesday.

Suyudi explained that reducing BNN’s identity in the bill would result in the loss of investigative powers for BNN officers in law enforcement efforts, such as arrests and detentions.

This issue has already been experienced by investigators at the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM).

According to Suyudi, this ambiguity could even potentially weaken Police investigators currently assigned to BNN in combating drug problems.

“Furthermore, it could close off BNN’s direct access to coordination with public prosecutors,” he said.

Therefore, Suyudi believes that BNN must remain the mandated institution with authority to conduct investigations, whether carried out by Police investigators assigned to BNN or Civil Servant Investigators (PPNS).

“In exercising such authority, BNN will always respect and adhere to coordination and synergy mechanisms with the National Police, in line with the provisions of Law Number 20 of 2025 on the Criminal Procedure Code,” he stated.