The Yogyakarta Special Region (DIY) Provincial National Narcotics Agency (BNNP) has strengthened its partnership with UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta in efforts to prevent drug abuse within higher education. This commitment was reaffirmed during an audience between BNNP DIY Chief Brig. Gen. Pol. Faried Zulkarnain, S.I.K., and his staff, and UIN Sunan Kalijaga Rector Prof. Noorhaidi Hasan, held at the Rector's Office on Tuesday, August 4, 2026.

The meeting took place in a warm and productive atmosphere, covering several strategic issues, from preventing drug abuse among students and monitoring trends in vape (e-cigarette) use, to strengthening cooperation through the implementation of the university's Tridharma (three pillars of higher education).

In his presentation, BNNP DIY Chief Brig. Gen. Pol. Faried Zulkarnain highlighted the growing prevalence of vape use among young people. He noted that many in the public still perceive vaping as safer than conventional cigarettes. In reality, he said, the more serious threat lies in the potential abuse of dangerous substances mixed into vape liquids.

As an example, Faried cited the National Narcotics Agency's (BNN) success in intercepting the smuggling of 700 vape cartridges containing etomidate in Batam. Etomidate is a medical anesthetic that has recently been found to be increasingly misused.

“This phenomenon should serve as a wake-up call for all of us. That's why we are pushing for a Vape-Free Campus program, supported by ongoing education rooted in moral and spiritual approaches. We believe UIN Sunan Kalijaga has significant strength in building student awareness through religious values,” he said.

He also noted that the situation is especially concerning given that the Yogyakarta Special Region currently ranks fifth nationally in drug abuse prevalence. He said this issue has drawn serious attention from the DIY Regional Government, including Governor of DIY Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X, who continues to push for protecting young people from the threat of a "weaponless proxy war" being waged through drug abuse.

Responding to this, UIN Sunan Kalijaga Rector Prof. Noorhaidi expressed appreciation for BNNP DIY's visit and reaffirmed the university's commitment to continued synergy in drug abuse prevention efforts.

“We, the entire academic community of UIN Sunan Kalijaga, are ready to fully support BNN's efforts to prevent drug abuse through every avenue available to the university, from public outreach and research to spiritual approaches and community service,” said Prof. Noorhaidi.

He added that the partnership between UIN Sunan Kalijaga and BNN has already taken shape through several programs, including a thematic Community Service Program (KKN) focused on drug prevention and a student internship program at BNNP DIY.

“We have carried out the thematic KKN program on drug prevention with BNN several times already. There are also currently UIN Sunan Kalijaga students completing internships at BNNP DIY. This is a concrete example of the university's contribution to educating the public while also building a generation resilient against the threat of drugs,” he explained.

Through this audience, BNNP DIY and UIN Sunan Kalijaga expressed hope that their existing collaboration can be further strengthened. The synergy is expected to build students' resilience against drug abuse while positioning UIN Sunan Kalijaga as a pioneer of a drug-free campus in the Yogyakarta Special Region. (humassk)