The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) recently conducted a Narcotics Investigations Course in Balige, North Sumatra, from July 15 to 18. The training was organized by the DEA's Jakarta Country Office and supported by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement (INL). It aimed to provide Indonesian law enforcement officials with a comprehensive understanding of narcotics investigations.
Andrew Hsia, DEA Acting Country Attaché, inaugurated the course led by experienced trainers from the DEA offices in Jakarta, Tokyo, and Bangkok. The event gathered 27 participants from key institutions such as the National Narcotics Board (BNN), Indonesian National Police, Customs and Excise, and the Attorney General’s Office.
Aqueelah Johnson, INL Director at the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta, highlighted the importance of this collaboration: “Through collaboration with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the State Department’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement is proud to advance bilateral cooperation between the United States and Indonesia to disrupt and deter the flow of illicit drugs to both countries. By bringing police, prosecutors, customs, and immigration officials together, we are strengthening our law enforcement partnerships and enhancing effectiveness to counter this global challenge.”
This initiative is part of an ongoing effort by the DEA to build strong partnerships with Indonesian counterparts. Since 2021, over ten similar training courses have been conducted throughout the region as part of a sustained commitment by the United States to combat drug trafficking collaboratively.