Narcotics Smuggling Routes in the Southeast Asia Region (Case Study in the Riau Province, Indonesia)

Abstract

Purpose: This paper describes narcotics smuggling routes in the Southeast Asia region, with a special focus on the case of the Riau Province, Indonesia). Southeast Asia occupies the area of 4,4 million square kilometers. The populations of ASEAN has increased from 563.7 million in 2006 to 631.8 million in 2015 at a rate of 1,14% per annum. The population growth in Southeast Asia has impacted the increased use of drugs. The Golden Triangle, i.e. the territory where the borders of Myanmar, Laos and Thailand meet, is a hub for narcotics smuggling. Riau Province is one of gates for narcotics smuggling from other states in Southeast Asia to Indonesia. Method: The paper uses qualitative methods with accompanying descriptions. The theories applied in this paper are realism approach together with international security concept, human security, and narcotics smuggling. Findings: Narcotics smuggling routes in the Riau Province, Indonesia run along unofficial port lines along the coastline. Some regencies that participate in narcotic smuggling are Bengkalis, Dumai, Meranti, Rokan Hilir and Indragiri Hilir Regency. Narcotics smugglers use sea lanes and fishing boats, and act at night to trick patrol officers in the border region.