Speaking at a press conference on the destruction of illegal drug evidence here on Wednesday, he noted that migrant workers are at risk of being exploited by drug traffickers or involved in drug distribution.
“We know that among our many migrant workers abroad, there have been some who became part of drug trafficking operations, ranging from couriers to, in some cases, even dealers,” he said.
To address this issue, the ministry is continuing to carry out concrete efforts, such as holding educational campaigns for Indonesian migrant workers about the dangers of narcotics.
Karding further said that his ministry is strengthening cooperation with the National Narcotics Agency (BNN) to combat drug abuse and prevent narcotics-related crimes involving migrant workers as targets or participants.
One key focus of the cooperation is monitoring and securing entry points that are frequently used for illegal departures, especially those connecting Malaysia and Indonesia.
However, Minister Karding underlined that efforts to tackle drug distribution must not rely solely on law enforcement agencies, such as the BNN and the police.
Instead, he called for collective anti-narcotics efforts from all stakeholders.
According to Karding, drug trafficking is a serious crime that endangers the younger generation, and therefore, the state must be present to protect its people.
“With this, our nation can become healthy, clean, and drug-free,” he said.
Earlier, head of the National Narcotics Agency (BNN), Marthinus Hukom, warned Indonesian migrant workers about the danger posed by drug trafficking networks operating overseas.
He pointed out that migrant workers tend to open up easily when they meet fellow Indonesians abroad, without thoroughly vetting the background of the people they interact with.
He urged migrant workers to remain cautious and not be influenced by drug traffickers operating in foreign countries.
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Translator: Agatha, Kenzu
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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