Jakarta, INTI - The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) and the National Narcotics Agency (BNN) are developing a detection and mapping system for illegal marijuana plantations based on artificial intelligence (AI), satellite imagery, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones. This interdisciplinary collaboration aims to improve the effectiveness of identifying marijuana plantations in remote areas of Indonesia.
According to the Indonesia Drug Report 2025 published by BNN’s Research, Data, and Information Center, there were 46,748 recorded narcotics crimes, with marijuana ranking second only to methamphetamine, accounting for 3,814 cases.
Yomi Guno, an Associate Expert Engineer at the Aviation Technology Research Center of BRIN, explained that Indonesia's vast and difficult-to-reach geography presents a major challenge in accurately mapping marijuana cultivation locations if conventional ground operations are the only system used.
"We hope this collaboration can integrate the capabilities of remote sensing technology, geographic information systems, drone technology, and artificial intelligence to support the mapping and identification of cannabis plantations as a strategic step towards modernizing the detection and monitoring system for cannabis plantations in Indonesia," saud Yomi on Tuesday, May 13.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration from BRIN
The collaboration involves several research centers within BRIN, namely the Geoinformatics Research Center (PRGI), the Data and Information Science Research Center (PRSDI), the Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity Research Center (PRKAKS) under the Research Organization for Electronics and Informatics (OREI), and the Aviation Technology Research Center (PRTP) within the Research Organization of Aeronautics and Space (ORPA).
In the initial phase, BNN identified research needs based on intelligence information and field data related to the suspected presence of illegal cannabis plantations. Next, PRGI team conducted an initial analysis using high-resolution satellite imagery to identify areas with suitable characteristics for cannabis cultivation.
The next phase was carried out by the PRTP team through field operations using UAVs. This activity includes validation of areas identified using satellite imagery and the acquisition of photogrammetric data through systematic high-resolution aerial imagery.
"The field data is then further processed by the PRSID and PRKAKS teams using specialized photogrammetry software to produce orthomosaic stitching, a composite of high-resolution orthophoto maps that have been geometrically and geographically corrected," Yomi explained.
According to him, the final results of this research can be directly utilized by BNN to support law enforcement. BRIN provides high-precision geospatial data, including orthomosaic stitching data, spatial datasets of marijuana plantations, and recommendations for priority areas for follow-up in eradication operations in accordance with applicable law.
"This interdisciplinary and inter-institutional research collaboration demonstrates BRIN's commitment to supporting efforts to eradicate the growth of illegal marijuana cultivation in Indonesia," Yomi said.
Conclusion
BRIN, along with BNN, is developing a detection and mapping system for illegal marijuana plantations using AI, satellite imagery, and UAVs to improve land identification in remote areas. The development involved several research centers within BRIN. Yomi Guno explained that the system integrates the capabilities of remote sensing technology, geographic information systems, drone technology, and artificial intelligence to support mapping and identification of cannabis plantations. BNN can then use it in its operations to enforce the law at illegal marijuana plantations.
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