Prabowo praises major drug bust, calls for stronger cooperation in war on narcotics

  • Published on 30/10/2025 GMT+7

  • Reading time 3 minutes

  • Author: Julian Isaac

  • Editor: Imanuddin Razak

President Prabowo Subianto commended law enforcement agencies for their success in uncovering narcotics cases with a total of 214.84 tons of seized drugs between October 2024 and October 2025, while emphasizing the importance of continued and coordinated efforts among government institutions in the fight against illegal drugs.

“Police must work hand in hand with the military, customs, prosecutors, intelligence agencies, and local governments. We are all one corps − the red-and-white corps, the corps of the Republic of Indonesia,” the president said during the destruction of seized narcotics worth Rp29.37 trillion (US$1.8 billion) at the National Police Headquarters in Jakarta on Wednesday, October 29, 2025.

The event was attended by several high-ranking officials, including Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa, Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian, Law Minister Supratman Andi Agtas, Immigration and Correctional Institution Minister Agus Andrianto, Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology Brian Yuliarto, Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman, Minister of Communication and Digital Application Meutya Hafid, Head of the National Nutrition Agency Dadan Hindayana, People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) Speaker Ahmad Muzani, House of Representatives (DPR) Speaker Puan Maharani, National Narcotics Agency (BNN) Head Suyudi Ario Seto, and Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK) Head Ivan Yustiavandana.

Prabowo warned that drug cartels are becoming increasingly sophisticated and dangerous. He noted that traffickers may attempt to smuggle drugs through sea routes and small ports. “Now, global drug cartels even have submarines. This is not a trivial matter,” he said.

The President stressed that the drug destruction event was not merely symbolic, but a stark reminder that narcotics are the nation’s enemy. He warned that if the younger generation falls victim to drugs, Indonesia’s future will be in jeopardy.

To strengthen preventive measures, Prabowo asked law enforcement agencies to deepen their engagement with local communities, encouraging citizens to act as the “eyes and ears” of the authorities. “The people must report suspicious activities. If a boat docks at a quiet beach late at night, its intentions are certainly not good,” he said.

Speaking briefly to journalists afterward, the President reiterated that the drug threat must be addressed collectively − not just by law enforcement, but also by families, educators, and community leaders.

“We must not allow these drugs to circulate. The moment there’s a sign − someone selling or possessing drugs − report it immediately. Parents, don’t let your children’s lives be destroyed; they have no future if that happens,” Prabowo said.

The President also expressed his desire to personally attend future operations uncovering drug manufacturing facilities. “I want to be present during those moments to emphasize that this is our collective effort − our shared mission,” he said.

In addition, Prabowo highlighted the urgent need to expand rehabilitation facilities for drug users, noting that several districts still lack such centers.

Earlier, National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo reported that Indonesia currently has 615 rehabilitation institutions—393 medical and 222 social facilities. “However, not all districts and cities have rehabilitation centers,” Listyo said.

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