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BNN reports 3.3mn drug users in Indonesia, warns of rising global trend

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Tempo - June 27, 2025

Vedro Imanuel Girsang, Jakarta – The National Narcotics Agency (BNN) has reported a steady rise in the number of drug addicts in Indonesia. This upward trend in drug use is also being observed globally.

BNN Chief Commissioner General Marthinus Hukom stated that the number of drug users worldwide has reached 296 million. "And the national figure reaches 3.3 million people in Indonesia," Marthinus said during his speech at the 2025 International Day Against Drug Abuse event on Thursday, June 26.

Marthinus noted that the circulation of drugs is becoming more widespread. He emphasized that drug abuse can happen within close-knit communities. "It could be a large family, neighbors, friends, or people we love," he said.

He also pointed out that the increasing number of drug-related cases recently uncovered by BNN indicates strong and growing market demand for narcotics. "It is still quite high and continues to increase," he added.

Marthinus further explained that Indonesia has become a key target for international drug trafficking syndicates. This is largely due to the fact that Indonesia is not a major producer of narcotics.

Instead, the country is seen as a strategic market because of its large population. "Our population, 200 to 280 million people. This means it is a potential market," Marthinus said on Thursday night, June 26.

Given these circumstances, he urged law enforcement to take this as an opportunity to reassess the effectiveness of current drug eradication efforts. "Whether it has successfully unraveled the roots of the drug problem, or on the contrary," he said.

Marthinus also encouraged the government to increase investment in drug prevention initiatives. "It requires commitment and consistent policies that are sustainable and long-term oriented," he said.

He added that the inclusion of drug eradication efforts in President Prabowo Subianto's Asta Cita program should be viewed as a commitment to the public. "Especially in cleaning up human criminals who seek financial gain through illicit drug businesses," Marthinus said.

Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/2022050/bnn-reports-3-3mn-drug-users-in-indonesia-warns-of-rising-global-tren

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