The Song 'Siti Mawarni' Behind a BNN Operation in Labuhanbatu Utara
The Indonesian National Narcotics Agency (BNN) says it uncovered a number of narcotics cases during the Saber Bersih (Clean Sweep) Operation across Indonesia, including Labuhanbatu Utara. The seizures are part of a response to the viral song ‘Siti Mawarni’. Acting Deputy for Eradication Brigadier General Roy Hardi Siahaan said the seizures were the result of cooperation with police, Customs, and other agencies. The operations were conducted in several regions: North Sumatra, East Kalimantan, Jakarta, West Sumatra, Aceh, Sulawesi, East Java, Riau, and the Riau Islands.
“We managed to safeguard potential misuse affecting 353,312 lives. In economic terms, this amounts to Rp 211.4 billion,” Roy said at a press conference at the BNN office in Cawang, Jakarta, on Tuesday (19/5/2026). The agency also reported seizures including 136.5 kilograms of methamphetamine (sabu), 147 kilograms of cannabis (ganja), 1,260 millilitres of etomidate, 1,029 grams of ketamine, and 6,681 ecstasy tablets.
BNN subsequently responded to the viral song ‘Siti Mawarni’ by analysing and mapping the drug trafficking networks in the Aek Kanopan Timur area of Labuhanbatu, North Sumatra. On 13 May 2026, officers conducted Saber Bersinar and identified a trafficking controller with the initials WW who is now on the wanted persons list (DPO). During the operation, one suspect with the initials RT was arrested. Authorities also seized a package of methamphetamine ready for distribution with a total weight of 0.90 grams.
Investigations showed a division of labour between the controller and shopkeepers in carrying out the drug distribution in the area. “BNN is intensifying operations in drug hotspot areas, such as villages in Jakarta. The agency’s seriousness continues in light of the widespread phenomenon and public resentment toward drug dealers across Indonesia, including the airing of the Siti Mawarni song. The Head of BNN sees the need to form a task force and launch an operation under the code name Saber Bersinar 2026,” he added.
Response to the Siti Mawarni Song
BNN described the operation as a response to the viral song ‘Siti Mawarni’, which voiced concerns about drug circulation in the area. “The country, through BNN, wishes to address the concerns of the public, including the circulating song ‘Siti Mawarni Labuhanbatu’,” it said.