1.3 Tons of Ketamine Destroyed, Officials Say 6.5 Million People Saved
Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Indonesian authorities destroyed 1.3 tons of ketamine in Batam, highlighting the drug's threat to the nation's youth.
- Officials estimate that this seizure could prevent up to 6.5 million people, particularly young Indonesians, from drug abuse.
- The strategic location of Batam necessitates strong surveillance and inter-agency collaboration to combat drug trafficking.
Indonesian authorities have destroyed 1.3 tons of ketamine in Batam, emphasizing the critical threat illicit drugs pose to the future of the nation's youth. Muhammad Qodari, Head of the Government Communication Agency (Bakom), stated that the government urges all societal elements to strengthen prevention and eradication efforts against drug trafficking.
Don't let narcotics ruin the future. We want the young generation of Indonesia to grow healthy, productive, and become a strength for Indonesia, in line with President Prabowo Subianto's vision towards Golden Indonesia 2045.
Qodari highlighted the potential impact of the seized ketamine, estimating that 1.3 million grams could have been abused by five people each, thus potentially saving 6.5 million individuals, especially the younger generation, from the harmful effects of the drug. He stressed the importance of ensuring young Indonesians grow up healthy, productive, and capable of contributing to President Prabowo Subianto's vision of "Indonesia Emas 2045" (Golden Indonesia 2045).
It has already been calculated, if 1 gram is used by five people, then we have saved 6.5 million people, especially the young generation, from the bad influence of ketamine drugs or hard drugs.
The strategic geographical position of Batam and the Riau Islands, situated along major international trade and transit routes with high mobility, makes them particularly vulnerable to drug smuggling. Qodari underscored the need for robust oversight and cross-agency collaboration to prevent these areas from becoming conduits for illegal substances.
We know Batam and the Riau Islands are very strategic areas. Their location is on the path of international trade and traffic, and therefore, of course, requires strong supervision.
Qodari reiterated the government's firm stance against drug networks, stating, "There is no room for drug networks to thrive in Indonesia." However, he also emphasized that combating drug trafficking requires a collective effort, appealing to the public for their cooperation and willingness to provide information about suspected drug activities. He praised all parties involved in uncovering drug cases and protecting the community.
The message the government wants to convey is simple: there is no room for drug networks to thrive in Indonesia.
Originally published by Republika in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.