Police Intensify Anti-Drug Crackdown Through Joint Operations
Jakarta (ANTARA) – The National Police are intensifying efforts to combat drug trafficking through joint operations in areas suspected of being centres for the illicit trade. The operations cover Jakarta, North Sumatra, Riau, South Sumatra, as well as several areas in Sulawesi and Kalimantan.
The operations reflect National Police Chief General Suyudi Ario Seto’s commitment to rid Indonesia of drug trafficking, which he said had become increasingly widespread.
“I want to rid Indonesia of drug trafficking, which has become increasingly widespread. We must act more forcefully,” he said in a statement in Jakarta on Tuesday.
Suyudi said that since early October 2026, the National Police under his leadership had stepped up operations in drug-prone areas in collaboration with the National Narcotics Agency (BNN), the military, regional governments and other relevant parties.
“Drug eradication cannot be carried out alone. Cooperation among all parties is needed to prevent narcotics trafficking and restrict the room for traffickers to operate,” he said.
In West Jakarta, a joint operation on Friday (9 October) targeted Kampung Ambon in Cengkareng and Kampung Boncos in Palmerah. Twenty-four people were detained, and officers seized narcotics and equipment suspected of being used for drug abuse.
Similar operations in North Sumatra targeted nine locations suspected of being involved in drug trafficking. Thirty-six people were detained, while officers seized around 102 grammes of crystal methamphetamine and other evidence.
In Riau, police detained 68 people during an operation at a nightclub. Urine tests showed that 63 of them had tested positive for narcotics use.
Enforcement operations also took place in Makassar, Palu, Palembang and Palangka Raya. In the Borta area of Tallo district, Makassar, 104 people were detained, including three suspected dealers.
In handling these cases, the National Police distinguish between users and dealers or traffickers. Users who meet the relevant requirements are referred for rehabilitation, while dealers and traffickers are prosecuted in accordance with the law.
Suyudi said the efforts were in line with the “Police Together with the Community” ethos, which places public protection and safety at the heart of police duties.
He said the National Police would continue to strengthen coordination among agencies in the fight against drugs, including by tracing supply networks and those behind the illicit trade.
Through law enforcement, prevention, rehabilitation and community involvement, the crackdown is expected to be sustained and to create a safer environment for the public.