Bobby Nasution Calls for Total Collaboration to Eradicate Drugs, Ready to Support BNNP Budget
The Governor of North Sumatra, Muhammad Bobby Afif Nasution, has invited the North Sumatra Provincial National Narcotics Board (BNNP) to strengthen collaboration and implement centralised interventions to eradicate the illegal trafficking of narcotics in North Sumatra. The North Sumatra Provincial Government has also stated its readiness to provide budgetary support to ensure that drug handling is conducted seriously and thoroughly.
This was stated by Bobby Nasution while receiving an audience with the Head of BNNP North Sumatra, Brigadier General Pol Tatar Nugroho, and his team at the North Sumatra Governor’s Office in Medan on Tuesday (2/6/2026).
“In this meeting, I want there to be strong collaboration in eradicating drugs. I request that we carry out centralised interventions, specifically focusing on several areas that serve as the main entry points and hubs for drug circulation,” said Bobby Nasution.
Bobby expressed concern regarding the future of the younger generation in North Sumatra. He noted that drugs are becoming increasingly accessible due to more affordable prices and are now targeting young people.
To anticipate this situation, the North Sumatra Provincial Government will take concrete steps by increasing community activities and positive programmes in drug-prone areas. Furthermore, the provincial government will strengthen education by encouraging every government and community activity to include messages regarding the dangers of drugs.
However, Bobby acknowledged that there are still obstacles at the provincial level, particularly the limited human resources possessing the specific competence required for massive drug handling operations.
Regarding the budget constraints faced by BNNP North Sumatra, Bobby emphasised the North Sumatra Provincial Government’s commitment to assisting.
“We are asking for concrete programmes from the BNNP. Regarding the budget, the North Sumatra Provincial Government will endeavour to help. We must be serious so that North Sumatra can truly be free from drugs,” he asserted.
Meanwhile, the Head of BNNP North Sumatra, Brigadier General Pol Tatar Nugroho, revealed that North Sumatra currently holds the first rank nationally in terms of the number of drug users.
“Out of approximately 15 million total residents in North Sumatra, 10 per cent are drug users. The rate of spread has recently extended even into villages,” said Tatar.
He explained that the high rate of drug abuse in North Sumatra is influenced by several factors, including the province’s geographical condition, which serves as a primary route for drug entry. The North Sumatra region is also flanked by several high-risk points in the south that serve as smuggling gateways.