Prabowo pledges full reinforcement for BNN in drug eradication efforts

President Prabowo Subianto will provide total reinforcement to the National Narcotics Agency (BNN) in the effort to eradicate drugs, as a tangible commitment of the government going forward. “I realise how great the challenges we face in eradicating narcotics are, compounded by Indonesia’s geographical position,” said Prabowo, through a speech read by Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Djamari Chaniago, at the 2026 International Anti-Narcotics Day commemoration in Bogor Regency, West Java, on Thursday. The President stated that the reinforcement would be carried out comprehensively, covering aspects of the legal framework, the provision of adequate infrastructure down to the regions, as well as the supply of more sophisticated tactical and strategic intelligence technology equipment. Prabowo said Indonesia’s geographical condition, situated at the crossroads of two continents and two oceans, with thousands of islands, a very long coastline, and numerous entry points via sea, air, and land routes, indeed provides strategic advantages. However, at the same time, he said, this geographical location opens many gaps that can be exploited by international narcotics networks to smuggle and distribute drugs to various regions. On the other hand, he emphasised that the war against narcotics cannot be won solely with weapons and law enforcement, but also requires strategic thinking and advanced innovation. “Departing from this, I will provide total reinforcement to BNN because we also need strategic thinking and advanced innovation,” he stated.