Transformative Rehabilitation Without Judicial Process: Preventing Drug Addicts from Becoming Drug Dealers in Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore with Recomendaci

Abstract

Law enforcement against drug abuse in Indonesia has so far focused on a criminal approach, including for drug addicts. However, Law Number 35 of 2009 concerning Narcotics has opened up space for a rehabilitative approach. This article analyzes the urgency of rehabilitation for addicts without going through the judicial process and formulates strategies to prevent them from transforming into drug dealers. This research uses a normative and interdisciplinary juridical approach and descriptive qualitative approaches. The solution is used to review applicable regulations, combined with empirical studies of rehabilitation practices in several provinces in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore, and adjusted to case data from 2020-2025. The results show that effective rehabilitation without legal channels can reduce recidivism and the potential for drug trafficking by former addicts. Cross-sector collaboration, adequate funding, and family and community involvement are integral solutions in building a sustainable and systemic rehabilitation system provided to prevent addicts from becoming drug dealers.