Politics · Indonesia · 7 hrs ago
North Sumatra Governor Says Province Leads Indonesia in Drug Abuse
North Sumatra Governor Bobby Nasution says the province has ranked first in Indonesia for drug abuse for more than five years.
He spoke in Medan during an event with national police chief Suyudi Ario Seto, following the seizure of 1.16 tonnes of ketamine in the Strait of Malacca.
Nasution said drug trafficking is especially widespread in Belawan, an area of Medan that also faces other crime.
He recalled that, when he was Medan’s mayor, he called for drug offenders committing street crimes to be shot on the spot, a remark that drew attention.
Suyudi said the problem needs sustained prevention and action against dealers, while noting that North Sumatra also has the highest number of drug cases uncovered.
He said no institution can tackle cross-border smuggling alone, and called for cooperation across agencies and greater public awareness.
North Sumatra Governor Bobby Nasution said the province has ranked first nationally in drug abuse for more than five consecutive years.
He raised the issue at an event in Medan attended by National Police Chief Suyudi Ario Seto.
The event followed the announcement of a 1.16-ton ketamine seizure in the Strait of Malacca and included a declaration rejecting drugs.
Suyudi said the ranking should prompt stronger prevention, action against trafficking networks and public awareness efforts.
Nasution said he hoped North Sumatra, including Belawan, would become free of drug trafficking.
- Who
- North Sumatra Governor Bobby Nasution and National Police Chief Suyudi Ario Seto.
- What
- Nasution said North Sumatra had ranked first nationally in drug abuse for more than five consecutive years. Suyudi called for stronger efforts to address the problem.
- When
- Friday, October 23, 2026.
- Where
- Terminal Bandar Deli Belawan in Medan, North Sumatra, Indonesia.
- Why
- Nasution raised the province’s drug problem and expressed hope that police involvement would help reduce drug trafficking.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Nasution said North Sumatra had ranked first nationally in drug abuse.
Nasution spoke at a Medan event following the announcement of a 1.16-ton ketamine seizure in the Strait of Malacca.
- Province
- North Sumatra
- Reported ranking
- First nationally in drug abuse for more than five consecutive years
- Ketamine seizure
- 1.16 tons
- Event location
- Terminal Bandar Deli Belawan, Medan
- Event date
- October 23, 2026
What people are saying
for more than 5 consecutive years, North Sumatra has been the region with the largest number of drug users nationally
Our goal is, if possible, to move down from number one—not to be in the top three or top five, but to be at the very bottom.
Indeed, North Sumatra is the number one region. But do not be discouraged; although it is number one, it has the most cases uncovered.
No single institution can work alone. We must continue to unite to uncover the crimes of those trying to bring prohibited goods into Indonesia.