inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. The National Narcotics Agency (BNN) stated that social stigma and limited access to employment remain the main challenges faced by former drug addicts after completing rehabilitation programs and returning to society.

The Head of the National Narcotics Agency (BNN), Suyudi Ario Seto, stated that employment opportunities are a crucial factor in supporting the sustainability of the recovery process and preventing the risk of relapse.

"In fact, employment opportunities are a crucial factor in supporting the sustainability of the recovery process and helping former addicts avoid the risk of relapse," explained Suyudi on Monday (5/25/2026).

Amid these challenges, the BNN is exploring collaboration with the Halal Product Guarantee Agency (BPJPH) to empower former drug addicts as Halal Product Processing Assistants (PPPH) for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

A meeting between the BNN Head and the Head of the BPJPH, Ahmad Haikal Hasan, at the BPJPH Head Office in Jakarta, discussed employment opportunities for former addicts as part of the social reintegration process.

In the meeting, BPJPH stated its readiness to involve former drug addicts as PPPH to open up access to employment and support their social recovery process.

The program is said to be a continuation of a similar empowerment model previously implemented by the BPJPH, involving former inmates. Ahmad welcomed the agency's support for the plan to empower former addicts who have completed rehabilitation through the PPPH program.

According to him, synergy between institutions is a crucial step in ensuring former addicts can return to independent, productive lives and be accepted by society.

(ad/ndt/pr/rs)