JAKARTA - The National Narcotics Agency (BNN) has reaffirmed its commitment to tightening the eradication of the illicit circulation of narcotics in border areas that are prone to becoming cross-border drug entry points, especially in Batam City, Riau Islands.
This strengthening of supervision is carried out through an integrated operation across agencies as part of the national strategy for the Prevention and Eradication of the Illegal Use and Trafficking of Narcotics (P4GN).
Head of the BNN Public Relations and Protocol Bureau, Putu Putera Sadana, emphasized that border areas have a strategic position and are vulnerable to being used by international narcotics syndicates, so they require extra security and strong inter-agency synergy.
"Border areas such as Batam are entry gates into Indonesia that are often used by transnational narcotics networks. Therefore, the state must be present firmly and consistently to close all loopholes in the circulation of drugs," said Putu Putera Sadana in his statement, Wednesday, January 21.
As a concrete manifestation of this strengthening, in mid-January 2026, BNN together with the National Police, TNI, Customs and Excise, and Immigration thwarted three attempts to smuggle narcotics at Hang Nadim Airport, Batam, and Bintang 99 Persada Port. From the integrated operation, officers secured evidence of narcotics weighing 550 grams gross, consisting of 542.3 grams of methamphetamine and 8.9 grams of synthetic THC. Five suspects were successfully secured, while the other three are still listed as wanted persons (DPO).
Putu explained that the disclosure showed that the narcotics syndicate continued to try to use transportation routes in border areas, both through airports and seaports.
"The modus operandi used continues to evolve, ranging from hiding in sandals, body packs, to suitcases. This is proof that surveillance at border gates should not be slack," he said.
In addition to enforcement at the entrance, BNN also expanded operations to public spaces in border areas. On Saturday (17/1), BNN carried out a joint operation at a number of nightclubs in Batam City by conducting urine tests on 84 people. The results, five song guides were positive for narcotics.
According to Putu, handling of abusers is carried out with a firm approach but still fair, especially for those who are not involved in the illegal distribution network.
"The war against narcotics is not only about law enforcement. For abusers who are victims, the state is present through rehabilitation so that they can recover and be productive again," he said.
He added that drug eradication in border areas must be carried out comprehensively, starting from strengthening surveillance, uncompromising enforcement of the law against the network, to the recovery of abuse victims.
BNN also invites people in border areas to play an active role in supporting P4GN by reporting any indications of drug abuse and trafficking.
"The synergy between the police and the community is the key. With mutual concern, we can guard the border area so that it does not become a gateway for narcotics that will damage the nation's generation," concluded Putu Putera Sadana.
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