Jakarta (ANTARA) – The Speaker of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR), Bambang Soesatyo, commended the National Movement Against Narcotics (GRANAT) for its substantial and sustained efforts over the past 24 years in combating drug abuse in Indonesia. In a press statement released on Monday, Soesatyo highlighted GRANAT’s proactive approach, which encompasses pre-emptive, preventive, and rehabilitative measures in the nation’s ongoing war against drugs.

According to Antara News Agency, Indonesia has witnessed a significant increase in drug-related cases. The number of drug cases escalated from 1,184 cases involving 1,483 suspects in 2021 to 1,350 cases with 1,748 suspects in 2022. In the first seven months of 2023 alone, the country recorded 1,125 drug cases involving 1,625 suspects. Furthermore, the number of drug users in Indonesia has reached 4.8 million people this year, a figure that underscores the gravity of the situation.

GRANAT, established in October 1999 by parents of drug abuse victims, has played a pivotal role in raising public awareness that the fight against drugs extends beyond law enforcement agencies and includes community responsibility. Soesatyo emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts between the government, law enforcement agencies, and the community in effectively combating drug abuse.

Soesatyo’s acknowledgment of GRANAT’s efforts reflects the critical role played by non-governmental organizations in supplementing government and law enforcement actions against the pervasive issue of drug abuse.