DENPASAR, BALINEWS — The Denpasar City National Narcotics Agency (BNN) is stepping up efforts to prevent and combat drug trafficking by encouraging all 43 villages and urban villages in Denpasar to become Bersinar areas, an Indonesian term meaning “Drug-Free.”
The initiative was outlined by Head of the Denpasar City BNN, Police Commissioner Dr. Leo Dedy Defretes, S.H., S.I.K., M.H., during a monthly Ngopi Santuy discussion hosted by the Bali chapter of the Online Journalists Association (IWO) at a coffee shop in the Renon area of Denpasar on Wednesday (Sept. 30, 2026).
The discussion was attended by IWO Bali Chairwoman Tri Widiyanti and members of the organization’s regional board. Also present were Bambang Supriyono, chairman of the IWO Denpasar City branch; Kande Putra, secretary of the branch; and Rovinus Bou, chairman of the IWO Badung Regency branch, along with their respective members.
Leo explained that the Denpasar BNN is implementing programs covering prevention, community empowerment, enforcement and rehabilitation. At present, however, particular emphasis is being placed on prevention and community empowerment.
“BNN’s programs cover prevention, community empowerment, enforcement and rehabilitation. At the moment, we are focusing heavily on prevention and community empowerment across the 43 villages and urban villages in Denpasar,” Leo said.
According to Leo, the Bersinar program prioritizes areas considered potentially vulnerable or at risk of drug trafficking.
BNN cannot address the problem alone, he said. Community participation and the involvement of various stakeholders at the village level are essential to building a broader drug-prevention system.
“We continue to encourage villages in Denpasar to become Bersinar villages. We prioritize areas considered potentially vulnerable or at risk of drug trafficking,” he said.
Residents in these areas are encouraged to become volunteers and anti-drug advocates.
“This is how we build an ecosystem. Building that ecosystem is not limited to the community; it also includes the school environment,” Leo said.
BNN Promotes Anti-Drug Education in Schools
In addition to community-based prevention, the Denpasar BNN is strengthening drug-prevention efforts in schools.
The agency is coordinating with the local education authorities to promote the Integrated Anti-Narcotics Curriculum (IKAN) at various levels of education, from elementary and junior secondary schools to senior high schools.
Under the program, information about the dangers of narcotics is incorporated into selected school subjects, allowing anti-drug education to become part of the learning process rather than relying solely on special awareness campaigns.
“The aim is to incorporate knowledge about narcotics into several subjects during the students’ learning process, from elementary to secondary and senior high school,” Leo said.
The Denpasar BNN has also established Sobat Bersinar, a program involving students as anti-drug advocates within their schools.
The program is intended to encourage students to share information with their peers about the dangers of drugs and developments in illicit drug trafficking, particularly amid changing patterns of distribution in the digital era.
Drug Trafficking Methods Continue to Evolve
Leo warned that combating narcotics has become increasingly challenging as information technology and social media continue to develop.
He said trafficking methods have evolved with changing trends, including the ways traffickers reach potential users and changes in the forms and types of narcotics being circulated.
“Narcotics have transformed. The era has changed and trafficking follows current trends,” he said.
He said young people require particular attention in prevention efforts. Children and teenagers, from kindergarten through senior high school, are increasingly exposed to information technology, social media and digital platforms.
“They are very familiar with information technology, technology and social media. Drug trafficking has transformed, both in terms of its modus operandi and the types of narcotics involved,” Leo said.
Leo emphasized that the fight against drugs should not focus solely on arresting traffickers and dealers. Preventing young people from becoming victims of drug abuse is equally important.
“The war on drugs is about humanity. It is not only about pursuing and arresting traffickers, dealers and perpetrators, but also about preventing future generations from becoming victims,” he said.
BNN Opens MESADU Public Complaint Channel
To expand public access to drug-prevention and response services, the Denpasar City BNN also provides MESADU (Melayani Setiap Aduan), or “Serving Every Complaint.”
The service allows members of the public to safely report suspected illicit drug trafficking, obtain information about rehabilitation services, seek consultations, apply for a Narcotics Examination Certificate (SKHPN), and submit complaints or suggestions regarding public services.
According to the Denpasar BNN, MESADU prioritizes ease of access and confidentiality for public complaints and consultations.
Residents can contact MESADU via WhatsApp at +62 813-1818-488 or visit the Denpasar City BNN office at Jl. Melati No. 21, Denpasar, Bali.
Through these programs, the Denpasar City BNN is seeking to strengthen cooperation among government institutions, schools, communities, media organizations and young people in building an environment better protected from drug abuse and illicit trafficking.
The agency is urging all elements of society to work together toward its goal of making Denpasar a Bersinar — Drug-Free City.
