The circulation of the hard drug Tramadol in Bandung City is becoming increasingly concerning. The Bandung City Council assesses that the rampant distribution of this G-class (gevaarlijk/dangerous) drug indicates a weakness in the supervision system that must be immediately rectified.

It was emphasized that the phenomenon of the free circulation of hard drugs could not possibly occur without gaps in field supervision.

This condition needs to be a serious concern for all parties, including the regional government, law enforcement, and other related agencies.

“It is impossible for sales to go on for a long time undetected. This must be a serious concern. It means something must be evaluated in the supervision system,” it was stated.

According to the assessment, the circulation of Tramadol is not merely a legal violation but has already pointed towards a serious threat to public health. Moreover, the drug is often misused by teenagers and young people for purposes not in line with medical indications.

It was reminded that the misuse of hard drugs can have long-term impacts, ranging from dependency and health disorders to the potential increase in criminal acts.

“This is not just about the law, but also about the future of our young generation. If left unchecked, the impact could be broad, both in terms of health and social aspects,” it was stressed.

Therefore, the Bandung City Council urges law enforcement not only to focus on enforcement at the seller level but also to trace the problem to its roots, including the distribution network and suppliers of the illegal drug. This step is considered important so that eradication can be carried out comprehensively and not temporarily.

Besides enforcement, the importance of strengthening supervision from related agencies was also emphasized, including over pharmacies, drug stores, and other distribution channels that could potentially become entry points for illegal hard drug circulation.

“There must be stricter and integrated supervision. There should be no gaps exploited by individuals to seek profit at the expense of the public,” it was said.

On the other hand, the Council also encourages the government to intensify public education regarding the dangers of misusing hard drugs without a doctor’s prescription. This education is considered crucial to suppress demand from the user side, which has been one of the main factors behind the rampant circulation of illegal drugs.

According to the view, the role of family, school, and the surrounding environment is also very important in preventing drug misuse among teenagers.

All elements of society were called upon to play an active role in monitoring and reporting if they find indications of circulation in their environment.

“Education must be massive. The public should also not hesitate to report if they find practices of illegal hard drug sales,” it was stated.

To this day, the illegal circulation of Tramadol remains serious homework for the regional government and law enforcement.

Public reports regarding the free sale of hard drugs at several points in Bandung City continue to emerge, indicating this problem is still far from over.

The Bandung City Council hopes that with synergy between the government, law enforcement, and the public, the circulation of illegal hard drugs can be significantly reduced, so that public safety and health can be better guaranteed.

Bandung City

Bandung is the capital of West Java, Indonesia, famously known as the “Paris of Java” for its colonial-era art deco architecture and vibrant creative scene. Historically, it gained prominence as a planned Dutch colonial hill station in the 19th century and was the site of the pivotal 1955 Asia-Africa Conference, which united developing nations during the Cold War. Today, it is a major educational, technological, and fashion hub surrounded by volcanic mountains.