He conveyed this at the destruction of 214.84 tons of narcotics evidence, valued at Rp29.37 trillion (US$1.6 billion), during the first year of his administration, in Jakarta on Wednesday.
"If we fail to prevent, confiscate, and secure the drugs, they could be used by 629 million people. That's more than twice the size of the Indonesian nation," Prabowo emphasized.
The president highlighted that the threat of narcotics trafficking has now become a global problem with increasingly advanced methods.
He then called for strengthened drug eradication efforts through synergy between all law enforcement officials, state institutions, and the public.
"This effort requires collaboration, teamwork. So I congratulate the Police and the National Narcotics Agency (BNN). But I also ask for closer cooperation with everyone: customs, the prosecutor's office, the State Intelligence Agency (BIN), and the regional government," he emphasized.
He also reminded that the drug problem is a strategic threat that could hinder Indonesia's goal of becoming a developed nation.
Therefore, a balance between firm law enforcement and effective rehabilitation efforts is needed, he said.
"We still have rehabilitation efforts. But this issue remains our homework. Rehabilitation must be more thorough and more effective. I thank all institutions that have implemented these rehabilitation efforts," he pointed out.
Besides law enforcement, Prabowo believes that prevention must begin early through educational institutions and youth activities.
"This is impossible without the work from all educational institutions, including religious education, elementary, middle, and high school education, and universities. We must continue to promote this effort together," he remarked.
Furthermore, Prabowo reiterated that the journey and challenges in eradicating drugs are still large.
"The police have transformed 228 drug villages into 118 drug-free villages. Continue these efforts. I see the police are now more sensitive to the demands of the nation and state," he disclosed.
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Translator: Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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