VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

VOINews, Jakarta - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has urged law enforcers to impose hefty sentences against drug dealers in Indonesia as a commitment to drug eradication efforts.

"Impose hefty sentences against drug dealers," the president stated via video broadcast during the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking commemoration at the Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park here on Monday (June 26) evening.

Apart from imposing severe punishment on drug traffickers, the president highlighted the need to intensify rehabilitation efforts for drug abuse victims.

Moreover, he urged all elements to improve familial and social resilience as well as raise awareness about the dangers of drugs from an early age.

"Let us make this year's World Drug Day a momentum to intensify our fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking," Jokowi emphasized.

Meanwhile, National Narcotics Agency (BNN) Head Petrus Golose stated that according to Jokowi's instruction, the agency would take firm measures against all parties involved in illicit drug trafficking.

"We will earnestly eradicate drug traffickers and also bolster the rehabilitation aspect and our (anti-drug) dissemination, particularly among youth," Golose affirmed.

The agency head noted that the World Drug Day commemoration event in Bali is proof for Indonesians and the global community regarding BNN's firm efforts to eradicate drugs.

Despite BNN having various approaches to drug eradication, such as soft power, hard power, smart power, and cooperation, he said that the agency would prioritize soft power and preventive steps.

"We will prioritize soft power rather than the hard power approach. We prefer rescuing the people through programs involving the public and the grassroots," Golose noted.

He affirmed that the BNN would be attentive to new illicit drug types without neglecting the most commonly found drug in Indonesia, marijuana.

"Overall, the most commonly used are Cannabis sativa (marijuana), then crystal meth (methamphetamine), and we will also anticipate the entry of heroin and cocaine," he stated.

Golose also emphasized that efforts to eradicate drugs should be made through cooperation with other countries, especially those included in Southeast Asia's Golden Triangle and Central Asia's Golden Crescent, as well as African and South American countries. (Antaranews)