Women’s growing role in drug trade raises concerns in Indonesia
Although women’s involvement in the drug trade is not new, the National Commission on Violence Against Women (Komnas Perempuan) noted that the trend is increasing and often reflects deeper and systemic exploitation.
Jakarta (VNA) – Women accounted for around 10% of suspects in drug-related cases in Indonesia over the past three months, according to the National Narcotics Agency (BNN).
During that period, authorities arrested 285 suspects in 172 trafficking cases uncovered through joint surveillance with the Customs and Excise Office at major entry points, including ports, airports and interprovincial routes, Jakarta Post reported.
Seized evidence included 300 grammes of methamphetamine, 370 grammes of marijuana, 6,000 ecstasy pills and various other illicit substances.
Of the total suspects, 29 were women, most of them housewives, who had been deceived by syndicates into working as couriers between islands and provinces, BNN head Gen. Marthinus Hukom said.
Minister of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection Arifatul Choiri Fauzi said that women are being exploited in drug distribution networks, often lured by economic promises.
Although women’s involvement in the drug trade is not new, the National Commission on Violence Against Women (Komnas Perempuan) noted that the trend is increasing and often reflects deeper and systemic exploitation.
These women are frequently targeted by male traffickers, some of them foreigners, who lure them with sweet talk or false promises, Sundari Amir from the commission said, adding many victims may have limited legal awareness or language skills, making them even more vulnerable.
The Indonesia Criminal Justice Reform (ICJR) criticised current drug policies for overlooking women’s vulnerabilities, arguing that the country’s punitive approach under the 2009 Narcoti🦩cs Law fails to protect those most at risk. Meanwhile, BNN spokesperson Brig. Gen. Sulistyo Pudjo Hartono insisted that women involved in drug cases are not always innocent victims but knowingly commit these crimes./.
Around 1,000 inmates in Indonesia have so far been transferred to the maximum-security prison island of Nusakambangan since Minister of Immigration and Correctional Services Agus Andrianto assumed office.
Police spokesperson Krishna Murti revealed that international drug syndicates have been recruiting drug couriers in Indonesia, particularly in large cities and vulnerable areas.
The sharp rise has raised concerns over a potentially severe forest and land fire season in one of Indonesia’s wildfire-prone regions over the past decade.
In the absence of a deal, Washington could impose a 36% tariff on all imports from Thailand as soon as July 9, compared with the 10% baseline tariff in effect now.
According to the official, the digital economy has played a key role in lifting the Thai economy. In the past five months, the value of digital exports tallied 860 billion THB (26.54 billion USD), up 35% year-on-year.
The event underscored Vietnam’s proactive role in advancing human rights in the context of climate change, helped strengthen its network of partners, and shared practical lessons with the international community.
SEA Games 33 is scheduled for December 9–20 in Bangkok, Chon Buri, and Songkhla, while the ASEAN Para Games 13 will take place from January 20–26, 2026, in Nakhon Ratchasima
Danantara CEO Rosan Roeslani said the collaboration could help Indonesia achieve its renewable energy targets, including a 34% renewable energy mix by 2034 and 87% by 2060.
The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB) is preparing to hold discussions with the Bank of Thailand, the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC), the Finance Ministry and the Commerce Ministry to realign economic priorities given the limited available resources, with a focus on the next 6-12 months.
Currently, Indonesia's daily oil consumption stands at 1.6 million barrels and it sets an ambitious target of achieving 1 million barrels of oil per day by 2029 or 2030.
In its first year, Tomorrowland will hold a 2-3 day event, offering exclusive packages, pre- and post-tours, and hotel accommodations. This model will resemble Tomorrowland in Belgium, which will significantly boost Thailand’s tourism industry.
The police has taken appropriate measures to ensure high preparedness ahead of this meeting, and the main focus is on the security of VIPs, traffic control and handling emergencies, he said, adding the team will use sophisticated technologies such as facial recognition systems and explosives detection to ensure the event runs smoothly.
At a press briefing on July 3, Indonesia's national search and rescue agency chief Mohammad Syafii confirmed that five people died in the incident and 25 are still missing.
Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Phumtham Wechayachai was assigned Acting Prime Minister, replacing caretaker Prime Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit, following a special Cabinet meeting on July 3.
Under the new regulations, only pedestrians and users of personal mobility aids (PMAs), such as electric wheelchairs, are allowed on pedestrian-only paths, which are marked with the words “pedestrians only.” Cycling paths, by contrast, are painted red.
The two-tier local government model will serve as a key driver for Vietnam’s green economic development and enhanced governance capacity amid the Fourth Industrial Revolution and deep international integration, according to Prensa Latina.
The Indonesia Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) from S&P Global, released on July 1, dropped to a reading of 46.9 in June from 47.4 in May, indicating a further deterioration in the health of goods-producing industries.
From July 1, 2025 to December 31, 2026, the new tariff in Malaysia aims to boost electricity costs by 10-14% before surcharges for major consumers such as data centres.
