Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta.  The National Narcotics Agency (BNN) Head, Commissioner General Marthinus Hukom, has requested the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday (23/7/2024) to facilitate meetings with Indonesian nationals facing drug-related legal issues abroad.

Currently, there are 165 Indonesians abroad at risk of the death penalty, with 106 involved in drug offenses, according to antaranews.com. 

BNN seeks legal assistance from the Indonesian government to address these cases. 

Emphasizing the need for discussions to reveal drug trafficking networks, Chief Marthinus expected the ministry to support BNN's planned webinars with Indonesian embassies worldwide to share knowledge and information on drug trafficking. 

The BNN also highlights the necessity of regional and international cooperation to tackle increasingly sophisticated drug threats.

BNN recently hosted a delegation from Fiji's Ministry of Home Affairs, discussing drug control strategies and international collaboration. Hukom also seeks assistance for strengthening rehabilitation efforts and requested Kemenlu to facilitate discussions with Afghanistan on drug rehabilitation support.

Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi assured her ministry commitment to supporting BNN's initiatives, underscoring the need for collaboration to address drug issues in Indonesia and abroad. 

An upcoming Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between BNN and the foreign ministry will formalize this support.

(mg/inp/pr/nm)