Strategic Intelligence and Human Security: An Evaluative Analysis of BPOM’s Strategy Against Illegal Trihexyphenidyl Circulation in Indonesia
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70710/sitj.v3i3.109Keywords:
Early Detection, Early Warning, Human Security, Illegal Trihexyphenidyl, Rational Choice Theory, IntelligenceAbstract
The unauthorized circulation and non-medical consumption of illegal Trihexyphenidyl (THD)—a prescription anticholinergic agent—have escalated into a multidimensional threat directly undermining human security, public health, and social stability within Indonesia. This study aims to structurally analyze the socio-legal mechanics of illegal Trihexyphenidyl trafficking and evaluate the operational strategies executed by the Directorate of Drug and Food Intelligence of the Indonesian Food and Drug Authority (BPOM). Adopting a post-positivist qualitative descriptive framework, primary data was collected through extensive, semi-structured interviews with eight high-level informants across the State Intelligence Agency (BIN); BPOM’s intelligence and enforcement directorates; the National Narcotics Board (BNN); the Ministry of Health; medical toxicologists; and criminologists, complemented by field observations of underground retail nodes. Data processing utilized thematic triangulation synthesized with the standardized framework of the Intelligence Cycle. The results indicate that the market expansion of illegal Trihexyphenidyl operates as a classic "rational choice" mechanism, where the intersection of low economic cost (Rp1,500–Rp2,000 per tablet), pseudo-narcotic euphoric output, easy online-offline access, and a statutory legal vacuum for consumption under Law No. 17 of 2023 on Health creates an optimization model for illicit syndicates. The study demonstrates that while BPOM has successfully integrated early detection and warning protocols via cyber crawls and inter-agency collaboration, significant friction persists within the "Means" domain due to statutory limitations restricting BPOM's access to wiretapping and tactical signal triangulation equipment (Direct Finder) under Permen Kominfo No. 9 of 2018. The paper concludes by presenting a strategic blueprint using the Lykke Model, highlighting the necessity of an AI-driven, NLP-equipped cyber crawling engine; joint special operational taskforces (Satgassus); and immediate legislative revisions to secure national human resilience
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