Head Of BNN Bans Members From Arresting Drug Users, Including Artists

Head of BNN Martinus Hukom (ANTARA/Rolandus Nampu)

BADUNG - Head of the National Narcotics Agency (BNN) Martinus Hukom has banned his members from arresting drug users.

"As the Head of BNN, I prohibit members and ranks from arresting users, including artists," he said while giving public lectures to thousands of students at the Widya Sabha Auditorium, Udayana University, Bali, Tuesday, July 15.

According to the Head of BNN, when referring to the applicable regulations, drug users cannot be punished, but are rehabilitated.

At least in Indonesia, there are 1,496 IPWL (Required Report Acceptance Institutions) that can be contacted or visited by drug users for a rehabilitation program without a criminal process.

"If there are law enforcement officers who suddenly try to play the process, then they face the law themselves. That has been regulated, reports must be received and then rehabilitated without legal proceedings," he said.

When asked about this action, Martinus said that the perspective on drug users was different from that of drug dealers.

In the view of the Head of BNN, the user is a victim. Because he is a victim, the approach used is a rehabilitation approach, not a criminal approach.

"This means that he is in a position as a dependent person. If he takes him to prison, we will punish him for the second time. We make him a victim for the second time. So what must be used is a rehabilitation approach. Many have finished being rehabilitated," he said.

This also applies to artists.

Martinus sees this in human relations based on the theory of "patron-clien". "Partrons are people who have power, have the power of narrative, have the power to influence audiences, while clients are those who have a low position."

He views artists as a role model that becomes a reference for value, while clients are mostly people.

"When an artist is arrested and then published excessively, the public perception will be divided there. Some people condemn him. But how can our children who see their idol an artist, then arrest and interpret it based on his abilities, this is dangerous," he said as quoted by ANTARA.

Martinus insists he is morally responsible for his decision.

However, against the dealers, the Head of BNN asked his staff to take firm action without compromise.

"Our dealers must act hard, taking them to court. We must not compromise with anyone, even if they are backed up by anyone," he said.