The government is getting ready to execute even more criminals to battle what they describe as Indonesia’s growing “drug emergency”, despite the fact that those executions seem to have done nothing to stop the increasing number of drug users in the country (according to the government’s own data). Many experts argue that it is in fact the rampant corruption in Indonesia’s prisons, legal system and law enforcement agencies that is the real problem, a point perfectly illustrated by the latest ironic incident involving a high-ranking official from the National Narcotics Agency (BNN).

On Sunday, the head of the BNN in North Maluku, Commissioner Elly Jamaludin, was caught in one of the karaoke rooms inside a nightclub located in Central Ternate. He was caught during a joint raid on the nightlife establishment by members of the military, police and, yes, members of the BNN.

According to information gathered by Tempo, Elly panicked during the raid and tried to save himself by blending in with the other officers, who were apparently not fooled.

Elly later denied he was caught with any alcohol or drugs argued that he had actually only come to the nightclub to monitor the joint operation – even though he arrived before everybody else. He also said he had signed the order form for his men to join the operation.

“So it’s not true. How could I have issued the letter of command for the raid if I was netted? That night I was participating in the monitoring of the operation,” Elly claimed.

However, the national head of BNN, Commissioner General Budi Waseso, told the media yesterday that Elly was not in any way involved in the operation.

“His presence at the location was outside of this operation. He just signed an order for his members to join in the operation,” Budi said as quoted by Vivanews.

Furthermore, Budi said that Elly had been suspended from his role as the head of BNN in North Maluku until a full investigation could be completed.

Budi said that Elly had abused his authority by being at the nightclub and violated the agency’s code of conduct. He also said that Elly would have his urine, blood and hair tested for drug use.

“If the results are positive we will certainly begin legal processing. Because BNN has already committed – members from top to bottom may not commit any violations related to drug abuse. There is no mercy,” Budi said.

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