JAKARTA – The Chairperson of the National Anti-Narcotics Movement of the Indonesian Ulema Council (Ganas Annar MUI) expressed deep concern over the increasing number of women entangled in drug syndicates due to large, attractive, and tempting rewards.
“The gentle, flexible, friendly, and easily persuaded nature of women makes them targets for drug dealers who exploit them in the large-scale drug trade,” she said in Jakarta on Tuesday (8/7/2025).
The statement was made in response to numerous reports highlighting the rise of women involved in drug syndicates, with approximately 70% of female inmates in correctional facilities linked to drug-related cases.
Since 2010, an estimated 12% or around 30 million Indonesians have been involved in drug abuse and trafficking. The increasing participation of women in drug-related cases must be a serious concern for all parties.
“Women must not become drug users, let alone be exploited by drug syndicates. New problems will arise, such as child neglect, family conflicts, and divorce,” said the advocate for women’s empowerment and child protection.
Education on the dangers of drugs must be provided from childhood through adulthood, emphasizing prevention and awareness.
It was also highlighted that the priority program under the 7th Asta Cita of Indonesia’s President includes: “Strengthening political, legal, and bureaucratic reforms, as well as enhancing the prevention and eradication of corruption and drugs.”
Regarding drug prevention and eradication, a synergistic approach involving collaboration between relevant ministries, private companies, community leaders, and religious figures is essential. Collective efforts are needed to achieve a drug-free Indonesia (Bersinar) toward Golden Indonesia 2045.
Preventive measures and raising awareness among women should include disseminating information on the dangers of drugs through various organizations, particularly women’s groups, professional institutions, academia, gender and child protection study centers, religious study groups, and Sunday schools.
Previously, it was reported that nearly 5% of women in Indonesia are involved in drug syndicates.
The National Narcotics Agency (BNN) commemorated International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (HANI) 2025 as a moment to reinforce national commitment in combating drug crimes and fostering public empathy for victims. The theme was “Breaking the Chain of Illicit Drug Trafficking Through Prevention, Rehabilitation, and Eradication Toward Golden Indonesia 2045.”
Between April and June 2025, out of 285 apprehended drug syndicates, 29 were women, mostly housewives motivated by financial needs to support their families or maintain a hedonistic lifestyle.
