Weed in Depok: High Risks in a Strict City
Depok, a fast-growing city in West Java, sits between Jakarta and Bogor, making it a key urban area with a mix of students, workers, and families. With its major universities, such as the University of Indonesia (UI), and a growing population, Depok has a lively youth culture. However, when it comes to weed (ganja), the city is no different from the rest of Indonesia—it is completely illegal, and the risks are high.
Cannabis Laws in Depok
Indonesia has some of the strictest drug laws in the world, and Depok follows the national policy with zero tolerance for cannabis.
Under Law No. 35 of 2009 on Narcotics, marijuana is classified as a Type 1 narcotic, meaning it has no accepted medical use and is grouped with drugs like heroin and methamphetamine. The penalties for weed-related offenses are severe:
- Possession – Carrying even a small amount of marijuana can result in 4 to 12 years in prison, plus a fine of up to billions of rupiah.
- Consumption – Smoking weed is also illegal, and while some users may be forced into rehabilitation, they could still face jail time.
- Trafficking & Distribution – Selling or transporting marijuana is a serious crime that could lead to life imprisonment or even the death penalty.
Depok’s law enforcement is very strict, and the police regularly conduct raids, drug busts, and random checks in areas known for student activity.
Is There a Cannabis Scene in Depok?
Despite the dangers, there is still some underground cannabis use, mainly among university students and younger crowds. Weed in Depok is not as accessible as in places like Bali, but some people manage to get it through online connections, discreet dealers, or trips to Jakarta. However, these transactions are extremely risky, as police have undercover officers and informants monitoring drug activity.
Most of the cannabis in Depok comes from Aceh, a province in Sumatra known for producing high-quality marijuana. Smuggling cannabis into Java, however, is dangerous, and prices in Depok can be very expensive compared to other parts of Indonesia.
Common places where drug-related activities are more likely to happen include student boarding houses, nightlife spots, and quiet residential areas. But with strict surveillance and frequent drug operations, getting caught is a real possibility.
Medical Marijuana in Indonesia
In recent years, some Indonesians have started discussing the possibility of medical marijuana, especially after a mother fought to legalize it for her epileptic child in 2022. However, the Indonesian government remains firm on its anti-cannabis stance, and there are no legal pathways for medical marijuana at this time.
Unlike nearby countries like Thailand, which has legalized medical cannabis, Indonesia continues to enforce strict drug laws with severe punishments.
Final Thoughts
Depok may have a young, vibrant population, but when it comes to weed, the city is not a safe place. With strict police monitoring, severe legal consequences, and high risks, using or selling marijuana in Depok is not worth it. While there is a small underground scene, the dangers of getting caught far outweigh any potential benefits.