REFORMING LOCAL CRIMINAL POLICY : PREVENTIVE REGULATIONS AGAINST DURG ABUSE IN AN ARCHIPELAGIC REGION

Wawan Lauwanto (Faculty of Law, Khairun University, Indonesia)
Syawal Abdulajid (Faculty of Law, Khairun University, Indonesia)
Nam Rumkel (Faculty of Law, Khairun University, Indonesia)

Bengkoelen Justice : Jurnal Ilmu Hukum
Vol. 16 No. 1 (2026)

This research is motivated by the increasing dynamics of narcotics distribution and abuse in Kepulauan Sula Regency, which has not been accompanied by an integrated countermeasure policy, particularly in preventive aspects through socialization. Existing approaches remain predominantly repressive, focusing on law enforcement, while preventive efforts are not yet systematically and sustainably implemented. This condition reflects the necessity to formulate a local criminal law policy capable of integrating penal and non-penal approaches through regional legal instruments. The objective of this study is to analyze the implementation of criminal law policy in combating narcotics crimes in Kepulauan Sula Regency and to formulate the direction and substance of Regional Regulation based on preventive socialization. This study employs an empirical juridical approach with data collection techniques including literature study, interviews, and documentation. The data were analyzed qualitatively using theories of criminal law policy, law enforcement, and legal system. The results indicate that the implementation of criminal law policy in Kepulauan Sula Regency has been carried out through both penal and non-penal approaches, yet not optimally integrated. Law enforcement is still predominantly repressive, while preventive socialization activities remain partial, incidental, and unsupported by a structured policy framework. Limitations in resources, weak inter-institutional coordination, and low public participation contribute to the ineffectiveness of narcotics crime prevention. Furthermore, the formation of Regional Regulation is considered a strategic instrument to strengthen preventive policy by comprehensively regulating socialization, community involvement, institutional coordination, and the integration of penal and non-penal approaches. The implication of this study highlights the urgency of establishing a responsive and contextual Regional Regulation as an operational foundation to enhance legal awareness and improve the effectiveness of narcotics control at the regional level.