Majalengka Regency and BNN Strengthen Narcotics Prevention Efforts
The Majalengka Regency Government is working to strengthen narcotics prevention efforts through collaboration with the National Narcotics Agency (BNN). The synergy is realised through public education, reinforcing the role of schools, and encouraging the implementation of the Anti-Narcotics Curriculum Integration (IKAN) as part of the National Action Movement for Children Free from Drugs (Ananda Bersinar).
Majalengka Regent Eman Suherman stated that prevention is a priority for the local government amidst the rapid development taking place in the West Java regency. According to Eman, Majalengka is currently undergoing a major transformation through infrastructure development that is increasingly strengthening regional connectivity. “The transformation is enormous. After the Cisumdawu and Cipali toll roads became operational, travel time from Bandung to Majalengka is only about one hour, while from Jakarta it is around two to two and a half hours,” Eman said during a National Public Lecture at Majalengka University (UNMA) on Thursday.
Furthermore, Majalengka’s proximity to Patimban Port and its demographic bonus mean the area has continuously growing economic potential. Eman noted that nearly half of Majalengka’s current population is of productive age, coupled with increasingly rapid growth in the industrial and tourism sectors. Amidst this development, Eman considers strengthening narcotics prevention crucial so that regional development is not overshadowed by the threat of drug abuse. “The Majalengka Regency Government affirms its commitment that a primary prevention approach is very important; prevention is better than cure,” Eman explained.
Eman stressed that this measure is not because Majalengka has a high rate of narcotics circulation, but rather as a form of anticipation to protect the community, especially the younger generation, from the threat of drugs. “We sincerely hope that the established synergy can become even stronger so that narcotics circulation cases in the Majalengka Regency area can be massively prevented and stopped. This firm and collaborative step is a necessity to ensure that all levels of Majalengka society feel safe, protected, and do not fall into the dangerous abyss of narcotics that can destroy the future of our young generation,” Eman said.
In line with the regency government’s efforts, the BNN is also promoting the strengthening of anti-narcotics education through the IKAN programme in schools. The programme is part of the national Ananda Bersinar movement, which aims to build awareness of the dangers of narcotics from an early age. During the National Public Lecture themed ‘Building Youth Resilience Amidst the Threat of Narcotics’, Head of BNN RI, Police Commissioner General Suyudi Ario Seto, asserted that prevention efforts must start from the family and school environment because children are in the most critical phase of character formation. “This programme is essentially the state’s commitment that prevention must start from its roots, namely the family environment and children as the most crucial phase in character formation,” Suyudi said.
The Ananda Bersinar movement is supported by five strategic pillars, one of which is strengthening literacy about the dangers of narcotics and enhancing digital awareness from an early age. To support this movement, the BNN runs several programmes such as BNN Goes to School, BNN Goes to Campus, BNN Goes to Pesantren, and the formation of the Anti-Narcotics Scout Unit (Saka Antinarkoba) with the Scout Movement. Additionally, the BNN has begun implementing the IKAN programme by inserting anti-narcotics material into five existing subjects: religious education, chemistry, biology, Pancasila and Citizenship Education (PPKn), and sports. “We are not adding new subjects because that would increase the burden. Anti-narcotics material is simply inserted into existing lessons,” Suyudi explained.
According to Suyudi, the programme has been implemented in eight provinces as a pilot project and is expected to be adopted soon in West Java, including Majalengka Regency. “Hopefully in Majalengka too. If not yet, do it soon,” Suyudi said.