President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo has called for a stronger fight against drugs amid concerns of growing drug abuse in Southeast Asia's largest economy.

According to National Narcotics Agency (BNN) data, the number of drug abuse cases in Indonesia in 2015 amounted to nearly 6 million users, but this is believed to be merely the tip of the iceberg given the country'€™s vast population.

It is also believed that the geography of Indonesia as a expansive archipelago gives international drug-smuggling syndicates the ability to enter Indonesia through clandestine paths.

"I want more intensive, braver, crazier and more comprehensive integrated efforts to eradicate drugs," Jokowi said at a limited cabinet meeting at the Presidential Office on Wednesday.

He urged all parties involved in drug eradication, such as the BNN, Indonesian Military (TNI), the National Police and ministries to strengthen their cooperation in the fight against drugs.

"All stakeholders must integrate their measures and declare war on drugs," he said.

Jokowi further said that to curb drug abuse in the country, stronger law enforcement was needed, including closing gaps in airports and ports nationwide that were potentially part of drug trafficking routes.

The government also aims to intensify its creative campaigns to raise public awareness, especially that of the young generation, about the danger of drug abuse.

Stronger monitoring of the drug trade inside prisons is also needed, due to the roaring drug trade there as well as drug lords who are running their businesses from behind bars, the President said.

Jokowi ordered the BNN and police to do regular random check-ups at penitentiaries to curb drug trafficking, as according to data around 60 percent of the nation'€™s inmates are serving sentences for drug-related cases.

The government said it would also focus on effective rehab programs for drug users to help get people out of the cycle of drug abuse.

BNN data also suggests that is not only a destination for drugs produced internationally, but that it as also become a narcotics-producing country itself.

Special task force

As part of this war on drugs, the government will establish a special task force aimed at eradicating drug trafficking.

BNN will take a leading role in the task force, whose duties will include drug eradication, rehabilitation and coordinating among stakeholders, BNN chief Comr. Gen. Budi Waseso said at a press conference after the meeting led by Jokowi at the Presidential Office.

"Drug eradication and rehabilitation will be handled together in accordance with their respective requirements," Budi said.

Meanwhile, National Police Chief Gen. Badrodin Haiti said drug abuse-related cases rose by an average 13.6 percent each year.

Police arrested 50,178 suspects as part of 40,253 drug-related cases in 2015 and confiscated 23.2 tons of marijuana, more than 1 million ecstasy pills and 2.3 tons of crystal methamphetamine, commonly called sabu-sabu.

"Those figures could kill our citizens," Badrodin said.(rin)(+)

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