Scholars International Journal of Law, Crime and Justice (SIJLCJ)
Volume-9 | Issue-06 | 212-218
Original Research Article
The Adoption of the Drug Court Concept in the Reform of Narcotics Law in Indonesia
Setiawan Adiputra, Nikmah Rosidah, Heni Siswanto
Published : June 5, 2026
Abstract
Indonesia continues to face serious problems related to drug abuse, especially among young people. The current legal system is considered ineffective because it still prioritizes imprisonment rather than rehabilitation for drug users and addicts. This study uses a normative juridical method with a post-positivist approach to analyze the urgency of adopting the Drug Court model, such as the one implemented in the United States since 1989. Drug Courts in the United States apply a rehabilitation-based approach that provides alternatives to prison sentences for drug offenders. The results of this study show that Indonesia’s current drug policy still treats addicts and drug abusers as criminals who deserve imprisonment. Medical and social rehabilitation are only used to reduce prison sentences, not as the main effort for recovery. In addition, the existing double-track system has not clearly distinguished between drug users and drug dealers. This condition contributes to prison overcrowding and does not effectively reduce drug abuse. Therefore, reforming Indonesia’s criminal law through a Drug Court model based on rehabilitation and the double-track system is necessary. Such reform is expected to improve the effectiveness of law enforcement, support prevention efforts, reduce prison overcrowding, and better protect human rights.