Customs Strategy in Preventing Cross-Country Narcotics Smuggling Via Sea Routes: A Case Study of the Indragiri Hilir Indonesia-Malaysia Border (2022-2025)

Abstract

This study analyzes the Customs and Excise strategy in preventing cross-border narcotics smuggling through sea routes in the waters of Indragiri Hilir, Indonesia-Malaysia. Due to the high potential for narcotics smuggling utilizing sea routes and limited supervision in border areas, this study uses a neo-realist perspective, the concept of international security, non-traditional security, transnational crime, and the Pentahelix strategy concept. The research method used is descriptive qualitative with the types and sources of data namely secondary data and primary data namely interviews and field observations. The results show that the Customs and Excise strategy in preventing narcotics smuggling through sea routes is carried out through internal strategies such as mapping vulnerable routes, sea patrols, analysis and profiling of people and vessels, and strengthening information and informant networks. Then, an external strategy is carried out namely strengthening the role of local governments, businesses, academics, mass media, and also communities. However, these efforts are still not running optimally due to facing several inhibiting factors such as limited human resources, geographical conditions, limited facilities and budget constraints. This condition makes supervision unable to reach all routes that have the potential to be used for smuggling activities.