Sambas Regency Reinforces Commitment To Drug Prevention At The Indonesia-Parliamentary Border

Two residents walked out of the Integrated State Border Post (PLBN) Aruk in Sebunga Village, Sajingan Besar District, Sambas Regency, West Kalimantan, Wednesday (13/12/2023). (Bessara/Jessica Wuysang)

JAKARTA - The Regent of Sambas, West Kalimantan, Satono when he met directly the Head of the National Narcotics Agency of the Republic of Indonesia (BNN RI) Martinus Hukom stated that he was ready to take maximum precautions in the border area, Indonesia - Malaysia.

"Sambas is an important crossing area that is the entry point for various types of narcotics. This situation is worrying because it can have a negative impact on areas with the second highest population density in West Kalimantan Province. For this reason, we are committed to prevention," he said when contacted by Antara in Sambas, Sunday.

He added that the Sambas Regency Regional Government had also made a number of efforts to overcome the narcotics problem. However, the Regent of Sambas admitted that his efforts must still be supported by institutions that can cooperate with religious and community leaders.

"For concrete steps, we have held an audience with the Head of BNN to form the BNN for Sambas Regency. So that prevention can be maximized," he said.

According to him, his meeting with BNN is an important event to discuss strategies for dealing with narcotics trafficking in the Sambas area.

"One of the districts in West Kalimantan Province is the main focus considering that Sambas is a border area with many entrances that are directly adjacent to Malaysia," he said.

Meanwhile, the Head of BNN RI Martinus Hukom emphasized the importance of cooperation between local governments, BNN, religious leaders, and the community in efforts to prevent narcotics abuse.

He also underlined the important role of regional heads and local government structures in conveying moral messages about the dangers of narcotics to the community, especially through regular meetings forums both at the district and village levels.

"With the synergy between the Indonesian National Narcotics Agency (BNN RI), the Sambas Regency Government, religious leaders, and the community, it is hoped that it can strengthen measures in fighting the threat of narcotics and protecting the younger generation from the negative impact of narcotics abuse", he said.