North Sumatra Governor Calls for Collaboration with BNNP to Eradicate Drugs

The Governor of North Sumatra, Muhammad Bobby Afif Nasution, has called upon the North Sumatra Provincial National Narcotics Board (BNNP) to strengthen collaboration and implement centralised interventions to eradicate the illegal drug trade. The North Sumatra Provincial Government has expressed its readiness to provide budgetary support to ensure that drug handling is conducted seriously and thoroughly.

“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 Nasund, 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 on Tuesday, 2 June 2026.

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, specifically targeting the youth.

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 specialised competence required for massive drug handling. Regarding the budgetary constraints faced by BNNP North Sumatra, Bobby emphasised the provincial government’s commitment to assist.

“We request concrete programmes from the BNNP. Regarding the budget, the North Sumatra Provincial Government will strive to help. We must be serious so that North Sumatra can truly be free from drugs,” he stated.

Meanwhile, the Head of BNNP North Sumatra, Brigadier General Pol Tatar Nugroho, explained that North Sumatra currently holds the first national rank 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 level of spread has recently extended into villages,” said Tatar.

According to him, 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. North Sumatra’s territory is also flanked by several high-risk points in the south that serve as smuggling gateways.

Tatar noted that in 2025, drug abuse was dominated by the productive age group of 15 to 45 years. However, the trend is now beginning to reach school-aged children.

Despite facing budgetary limitations, BNNP North Sumatra remains focused on suppressing drug circulation at main entry points and rural areas. According to him, these efforts are starting to show results, with a decrease in circulation numbers in several regions.

“We greatly appreciate the Governor’s welcome. We hope this audience momentum can strengthen real collaboration with the North Sumatra Provincial Government to save the nation’s generation,” he said.