Digitalization and Narcotics Law Enforcement in Indonesia: Challenges and Legal Reform
Johannes Pasaribu, Marlina, Mahmud Mulyadi, M. Ekaputra

Doctor in Law Study Program, Faculty of Law, Universitas Sumatera Utara

Abstract

The rapid advancement of digital technology has significantly transformed the landscape of narcotics-related crimes, enabling the use of encrypted communication, social media platforms, digital payment systems, and online marketplaces to facilitate illicit drug distribution. These developments present new challenges for law enforcement agencies, requiring adaptive legal frameworks and technology-driven investigative strategies. This study examines the role of digitalization in strengthening narcotics law enforcement in Indonesia through a normative juridical approach. The research analyzes the provisions of Law Number 35 of 2009 on Narcotics, Criminal Code, relevant Supreme Court Circulars, and other legal instruments governing digital evidence and criminal procedure. A statutory and conceptual approach is employed to assess the adequacy of existing regulations in addressing cyber-enabled narcotics offenses while ensuring the protection of due process and human rights.
The findings indicate that digitalization offers significant opportunities to improve the effectiveness of narcotics law enforcement through electronic evidence, digital forensics, integrated criminal justice information systems, and inter-agency data sharing. However, legal uncertainty regarding the admissibility and management of digital evidence, institutional capacity limitations, and the need for harmonization between substantive and procedural criminal law remain major challenges. The study argues that strengthening digital governance, enhancing investigative capabilities, and updating legal regulations are essential to ensure effective, accountable, and rights-based narcotics law enforcement. The research contributes to the discourse on modern criminal justice by emphasizing that digital transformation should not only improve enforcement efficiency but also uphold the principles of legality, legal certainty, and the protection of fundamental rights.

Keywords: digitalization- narcotics law enforcement- digital evidence- criminal justice- Indonesia.

Topic: Technological Moderation for Collective Legal Response (Legal Innovation- Collaborative Regulation- Technology and Law)