Strategic Position of Riau Islands Province: A Study of Modus Operandi of Drugs Smuggling in Indonesia

Abstract

The rampant case of drug smuggling in Riau Islands Province and the lack of study on its modus operandi created a gap in the current research on the topic. The objective of this study is to discover the modus operandi used, the kinds of drugs being smuggled, and the reason Riau Islands was chosen as a strategic location for the smuggling route. The data was gathered through a structured interview with the local agencies directly involved in the supervision and security against drug smuggling in Riau Islands Province. The research methodology uses interactive analysis and thematic analysis methods. The results show that the modus operandi used can be categorized as the usage of camouflage techniques such as deceptive packaging and hidden compartment; Smuggling on a person using body packing and body strapping; and conducting transactions on the high seas using large ship, speed boat, and luxury yacht while employing a ship-to-ship system, and a fishing boat. The three main drugs smuggled is Methamphetamine, Ecstasy, and Marijuana with several other in a smaller quantity. Lastly, Riau Islands Province is bordered by several countries, a major transportation route such as the Malacca Strait and the island of Sumatera. Due to the plethora of drugs smuggled and the modus operandi displayed, it is necessary for law enforcement to increase the supervision and ways to identify and counter the smuggler’s action and to secure the territory.