“The opening of the Sambas BNN Regional Office serves as a strategic step toward strengthening our efforts to prevent and combat drug trafficking on the Indonesia–Malaysia border,” BNN head Marthinus Hukom said.
In a statement issued in Pontianak city, West Kalimantan, on Thursday, he added that the opening of the local office is a testament to the central government’s commitment to protecting all regions from the threat of drugs, especially outer and vulnerable areas such as Sambas.
He also urged the government and residents of Sambas to take an active role in fighting drug abuse and trafficking, stressing that building public awareness should start at the village level.
“Since information on the dangers of drug abuse is not evenly distributed, it is important to first ensure that villages are free from drugs,” Hukom said.
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He also highlighted the need for the local BNN head to identify vulnerable areas and give equal attention to preventive and curative measures, rather than relying solely on law enforcement.
Sambas district head Satono, for his part, praised the central government for establishing a BNN office in his region, noting that residents have been waiting more than 20 years for a stronger BNN presence in the area.
“Today, the government reaffirms its genuine commitment to shielding border regions from narcotics. This is an initial step to save citizens in the border (areas) and shape a generation of resilient talents,” he said.
He expressed the hope that the newly opened BNN office will support the implementation of measures against drug-related problems, starting from rural areas.
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Translator: Rendra O, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: M Razi Rahman
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