DELI SERDANG | INDATANEWS.COM - Deli Serdang Regent Asri Ludin Tambunan has praised the courage of Ayub Pringadi Marbun, head of Hamlet III-A Selambo, for taking firm action against illegal huts suspected of being used as drug trafficking bases. The Deli Serdang Regency Government also plans to introduce financial incentives in 2027 for villages and hamlets that successfully keep their areas drug-free.
Asri Ludin expressed his appreciation on Wednesday, 28 October 2026, during a public declaration against drugs in the Jermal area of Amplas Village, Percut Sei Tuan District. The event formed part of efforts to strengthen community involvement in preventing drug abuse and trafficking in residential areas.
He emphasised that village and hamlet leaders who take a firm stand against drugs deserved practical government support. Protecting communities from the threat of drugs, he said, could not be left solely to law enforcement agencies but also required public awareness and active participation.
"This must be recognised. If there is a hamlet or village head who has the courage to take action against drugs, that village or hamlet will receive special recognition from the regency government. In 2027, we will provide special financial incentives to drug-free villages, which can be used to meet the needs of the respective villages," Asri Ludin said.
The planned incentives are intended to encourage village and hamlet administrations to play a more active role in tackling drugs. The funding will be available for local village needs, although clear assessment criteria and transparent allocation procedures will need to be established.
Village and hamlet leaders are well placed to identify local risks, raise public awareness and coordinate with security agencies because of their close contact with residents. Effective prevention, however, requires cooperation between the regional government, police, military, community leaders, families and residents.

Alongside drug prevention, Asri Ludin highlighted the importance of improving economic opportunities for local residents. The Deli Serdang Regency Government is prepared to assist residents of Amplas Village who own land and wish to use it for productive agricultural activities.
The assistance will include seeds suited to local conditions, enabling residents to grow agricultural products and generate additional income for their families.
Asri Ludin also called on village heads and district officials to identify residents seeking employment. The information will help the government assess local employment needs and identify suitable opportunities, particularly in agriculture.
"Residents who want to engage in farming will receive support in the form of seeds suited to the conditions of their respective areas. People who need work must also be identified so that we can find appropriate solutions for them, including employment opportunities in the agricultural sector," he explained.
This approach links drug prevention with economic empowerment. To ensure lasting benefits, the government will need to identify eligible recipients, select suitable seed varieties and provide guidance on the productive use of agricultural land.

During the event, Asri Ludin, Medan Police Chief Commissioner Jean Calvijn Simanjuntak and Commander of Military District 0201/Medan Fernando Batubara joined residents in signing an integrity declaration. The signing reaffirmed their shared commitment to combating drugs in the Jermal area.
The declaration is intended to encourage residents to report suspicious activities through the appropriate channels. Ongoing public education, protection for vulnerable groups and better economic opportunities are also needed to curb drug abuse and trafficking.
Through the planned financial incentives, agricultural assistance and employment initiatives, the Deli Serdang Regency Government aims to combine community safety with economic development.
The long-term success of these programmes will depend on consistent implementation, transparent monitoring and close cooperation between the government and residents. The ultimate goal is to build and maintain a safe, productive community. (IDNC)
REPORTER: Edi Saputra | EDITOR: Fik Sagala