From Cannabis to Methamphetamine: The Drug Landscape in Aceh, Indonesia
On February 19, 2025, the Equality Development and Globalization Studies Program at the Buffett Institute for Global Affairs hosted a talk by Asmin Fransiska on Indonesia’s drug policies, with a particular focus on Aceh Province. The event, attended by students, faculty, and staff, provided an in-depth analysis of the socio-legal implications of Indonesia’s strict drug laws and the shifting patterns of drug use in Aceh from cannabis to methamphetamine.
Fransiska, a Dean of Faculty of Law at Atma Jaya Catholic University of Indonesia and founder of the Indonesia Center for Drugs Research, presented findings from an ongoing study examining Indonesia’s stance on drug policy, particularly in contrast to global trends that emphasize harm reduction. Her presentation outlined how Indonesia’s rigid drug laws—rooted in a global war-on-drugs narrative—have failed to differentiate between casual users, dependent users, and traffickers, leading to an overburdened judicial system. Drawing from a dataset of over 150,000 drug offense cases across Indonesia, Fransiska illustrated the consequences of Law 35 of 2009, which prosecutes drug-related offenses under the same stringent legal framework, regardless of context.
A significant portion of the talk focused on Aceh Province, historically known for its cannabis cultivation and use in traditional medicine, food preparation, and religious rituals. Fransiska noted that while global drug policies have evolved over the past two decades, Indonesia remains stagnant in its criminalization approach. The government’s prohibition of all cannabis-related activities has not only suppressed traditional practices but has also failed to curb illicit drug activity. Instead, methamphetamine has replaced cannabis as the dominant drug in the region, exacerbating public health concerns and human rights violations.
Two key legal cases were highlighted in her presentation: the Fidelis Sudewarto case and the 2020 Constitutional Court case on medical marijuana. In the first case, Sudewarto was sentenced to prison for cultivating cannabis to treat his wife’s severe medical condition, despite the recognized medicinal benefits of cannabis in other parts of the world. The second case involved families of cerebral palsy patients advocating for legal access to medical marijuana. While the Constitutional Court mandated the government to conduct research into cannabis for medical use, little progress has been made, further underscoring the need for policy reform.
Fransiska also critiqued Indonesia’s abstinence-based rehabilitation programs, which lack the harm reduction strategies seen in other countries. She pointed to Portugal’s decriminalization model as a successful alternative, demonstrating how shifting drug policy from a punitive to a health-centered approach reduces stigma, overcrowding in prisons, and illicit market activity. In contrast, Indonesia ranks among the lowest in the Global Drug Policy Index, underscoring the urgent need for reform.
The talk concluded with a discussion on the disproportionate impact of drug policies on vulnerable populations, particularly women and children. Data from Aceh revealed that women play a significant role in the drug trade due to economic hardships, and many face harsh criminal penalties. Furthermore, children under 12 have been subjected to judicial punishments, despite legal provisions meant to protect minors from the criminal justice system.
Asmin Fransiska’s presentation underscored the pressing need for a reevaluation of Indonesia’s drug policies. She advocated for a shift toward evidence-based approaches that prioritize public health over criminalization. The event sparked engaging discussions among attendees, highlighting the importance of continued research and policy advocacy in this critical area.