BNN stresses proportional sentencing for drug offenders

The National Narcotics Agency (BNN) of the Republic of Indonesia has stressed the importance of developing a sentencing policy capable of distinguishing proportionally between perpetrators of illicit drug trafficking networks, dealers, and users. Speaking at the Saint Petersburg International Legal Forum (SPILF) 2026 in St. Petersburg, Russia, on Thursday (25/6), BNN Chief Commissioner General of Police Suyudi Ario Seto said this approach is considered crucial for maintaining the effectiveness of law enforcement while realising a criminal justice system oriented towards justice and public protection. “The eradication of narcotics crimes must also be carried out firmly against organised crime networks, yet still prioritise the principles of proportionality, justice, and respect for human rights in handling drug abusers,” Suyudi stated, as quoted from a confirmed statement in Jakarta on Saturday. Active participation in SPILF 2026, held on 25-26 June, represents BNN’s commitment to strengthening international cooperation to achieve a legal system that is just, humane, and adaptive to the development of transnational crime. During the first day’s plenary session themed ‘International Law: A Privilege for the Few, or Law among Equals?’, the BNN delegation followed discussions on the future of international law, which emphasised the importance of reinforcing the principle of sovereign equality of states, respect for state sovereignty, and enhanced international cooperation so that international law remains a foundation that applies equally to all nations. On the second day, Suyudi served as a panellist in the session ‘Humanization and Systematization of Criminal Law as a Basis for Legal Stability: Prospects vs Reality’. On the same day, the BNN delegation also attended the session ‘Countering Transnational Cybercrime: Science, Practice, Education’, which discussed the development of cross-border cybercrime. The forum highlighted the importance of strengthening international cooperation through mutual legal assistance mechanisms, enhancing digital forensic capacity, and utilising artificial intelligence to support law enforcement. The discussion was deemed relevant to the evolving modus operandi of transnational narcotics networks, which are increasingly leveraging digital technology to carry out their criminal activities. BNN’s participation in SPILF 2026 is part of efforts to strengthen Indonesia’s diplomacy in the field of law enforcement while expanding international cooperation networks to tackle transnational crime. Through the forum, BNN reaffirmed its commitment to promoting effective, just, and humane drug eradication policies and strengthening global collaboration to protect the public from the threat of drug abuse and illicit trafficking.