BNN Stresses Youth Resilience in Facing Narcotics Threat
Indonesia’s National Narcotics Agency (BNN) has stressed the importance of resilience among the younger generation in facing the threat of narcotics. BNN Chief Commissioner General Pol Dr (HC) Suyudi Ario Seto described resilience as the endurance or ability to reject bad behaviour.
“In the context of narcotics, resilience for the younger generation means being able to say ‘no’. Say no to drugs,” said Suyudi, during a National Public Lecture at Majalengka University (UNMA), Majalengka, West Java, on Thursday (6/8/2026).
“Resilience of the younger generation means the ability to always protect oneself and one’s surroundings, and the courage to be part of the solution,” he continued.
He made the remarks while speaking at the National Public Lecture at UNMA, Majalengka, West Java. The event carried the theme ‘Building Youth Resilience Amidst the Narcotics Threat’.
On the occasion, Suyudi presented data from the World Drug Report 2026 (UNODC). The survey revealed that 331 million people worldwide used drugs in 2024. The 2023-2025 National Survey on the Prevalence of Drug Abuse recorded a 2.11% prevalence rate (4.15 million people) of narcotics abuse among the productive age group.
By age group prevalence, those aged 15-24 accounted for 33% of all drug abuse cases in Indonesia. This means one in three drug abusers is a young person of school or university age. Suyudi said the impact is not only on individuals, but also on families, education, the environment, and the national economy.
“Imagine if one person is affected, how much does the state lose if (a drug user) has to be rehabilitated? Rehabilitating someone cannot be done in just one or two days,” said Suyudi.
On the other hand, the country has the Golden Indonesia 2045 vision, which prepares a demographic bonus for the future.
“All of that will be lost if the people are not healthy from the start, lack character, and are entangled in drugs,” said Suyudi.
“Therefore, protecting the younger generation from narcotics is not merely a health agenda or a legal matter. This is a national development agenda,” he continued.
The event was also attended by UNMA Rector Dr Otong Syuhada, Majalengka Regent Eman Suherman, Majalengka Deputy Regent Dena Muhamad Ramdhan, Majalengka DPRD Speaker Didi Supriadi, Transmedia Director Latif Harnoko, officials from Majalengka Regency’s regional apparatus organisations, students, and the general public.
The National Public Lecture was supported by Bank Mandiri, as part of the Danantara ecosystem, which seeks to support the development of Indonesia’s human resources, particularly the younger generation.