Weed in Banjarmasin: The Reality of Cannabis in South Kalimantan
Banjarmasin, the capital of South Kalimantan, is known for its bustling floating markets, beautiful rivers, and rich cultural heritage. However, when it comes to cannabis, the city follows Indonesia’s strict drug laws, making weed a highly risky and illegal substance to possess or use.
Legal Status of Weed in Banjarmasin
Like the rest of Indonesia, Banjarmasin operates under Narcotics Law No. 35 of 2009, which classifies cannabis (ganja) as a Type 1 narcotic—the same category as heroin and methamphetamine. This means that any involvement with marijuana, from possession to trafficking, carries severe penalties.
The consequences of cannabis-related offenses in Banjarmasin include:
- Possession: A minimum of 4 years in prison, with sentences reaching up to 12 years and fines as high as 8 billion IDR (~$500,000 USD).
- Distribution or Trafficking: Life imprisonment or even the death penalty for major drug-related crimes.
- Consumption: Users caught with small amounts may be sent to rehabilitation but can still face imprisonment.
The local police and the National Narcotics Agency (BNN) actively monitor drug activities, making Banjarmasin a dangerous place for those who attempt to use or distribute cannabis.
Is There a Cannabis Scene in Banjarmasin?
Although Banjarmasin is not a major hotspot for cannabis culture, there are still users who manage to obtain marijuana through personal connections. However, because of heavy police enforcement, open use is rare. Unlike cities like Jakarta or Bali, where underground cannabis communities exist, Banjarmasin’s weed scene is much smaller and more secretive.
Most cannabis users in the city tend to be young adults and students, who purchase small amounts through private networks. Public smoking is nearly unheard of, as getting caught with marijuana can have life-changing consequences.
Where Does Cannabis in Banjarmasin Come From?
Cannabis found in Banjarmasin is usually smuggled from other parts of Indonesia, especially from Aceh, which is known for its high-quality marijuana. Aceh’s remote regions have been growing cannabis for decades, and despite strict crackdowns, illegal cultivation still continues.
Smugglers transport marijuana from Aceh through Sumatra and Java, eventually reaching Kalimantan via ferries or cargo shipments. Since Kalimantan shares land borders with Malaysia, some cannabis also enters Indonesia through illegal cross-border trade.
However, due to the dangers of transporting drugs into the region, weed in Banjarmasin is expensive and difficult to find.
Medical Marijuana Debate in Indonesia
In recent years, there has been growing discussion about medical cannabis legalization in Indonesia. In 2022, a mother petitioned the government to allow medical marijuana treatment for her child’s epilepsy, sparking nationwide debate. While no changes have been made to the law, the conversation continues.
Countries like Thailand and Malaysia have already started allowing medical cannabis, but Indonesia remains firmly against legalization.
Final Thoughts
Banjarmasin is not a cannabis-friendly city, and Indonesia’s harsh drug laws make weed a high-risk substance to possess or use. While some locals still find ways to obtain marijuana, they do so in secrecy due to the severe penalties. For now, cannabis remains illegal in Banjarmasin, and there are no signs of change in Indonesia’s drug policies anytime soon.