Protecting Jakarta from the Shadow of Drugs Amid Social Conflicts

In various corners of Jakarta, social conflicts and narcotics issues are often mentioned as running hand in hand. Behind the commotion of youth brawls and frictions in densely populated settlements, another serious concern emerges: the circulation of drugs, which is suspected of further complicating the situation. From this anxiety, various parties are beginning to push for a new approach that not only emphasises law enforcement but also recovery and social peace. The Jakarta Special Region Office of the Ministry of Law and Human Rights is now strengthening collaboration with the Provincial National Narcotics Agency (BNNP DKI Jakarta) through the Reconciliation and Peace Village Programme (Kampung REDAM). The Head of the Jakarta Ministry of Law and Human Rights Office, Mikael Azedo Harwito, stated that the results of community dialogues in Manggarai became one of the bases for strengthening the programme. “The results of the community meeting space in (Manggarai Sub-district) show that one of the triggers for social conflicts is the high rate of narcotics abuse,” said Azedo on Tuesday (12/5/2026), quoted from TribunJakarta.com. Manggarai itself has been designated as a pilot project for Kampung REDAM since 2025, and will be expanded to seven other sub-districts in 2026. To respond to this issue, the Jakarta Ministry of Law and Human Rights proposes strengthening collaboration in the form of rehabilitation socialisation, legal certainty for residents undergoing voluntary rehabilitation, to plans for voluntary drug testing in Manggarai. BNNP DKI Jakarta has expressed support and is ready to follow up on the cooperation through the preparation of a Cooperation Agreement (PKS). The Head of BNNP DKI Jakarta, Awang Joko Rumitro, emphasised the importance of cross-sectoral support. “However, the success of this effort greatly requires cross-sectoral support, including a human rights perspective approach,” he said. Previously, DKI Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung planned for public health centres to serve as rehabilitation sites for drug users. However, public health centres are only used for victims of drug abuse, not for dealers.