A Legal Approach Towards The Role of Transformational Leadership In Eradication Strategy of Drug Criminal Acts by The Gayo Lues Resort Police

Abstract

Gayo Lues Regency in Aceh Province is widely recognized as one of Indonesia’s major cannabis-producing regions. The area’s geographical isolation, limited infrastructure and resources, and complex socio-cultural dynamics make narcotics eradication efforts particularly challenging. This article examines how transformational leadership exercised by the Gayo Lues Police Chief is implemented within narcotics law-enforcement strategies and how the national legal framework strengthens their effectiveness. This research is a normative juridical approach combined with a case-study method, drawing on in-depth interviews with the Police Chief, senior officers, and community leaders. Data were analyzed qualitatively using thematic analysis to identify key patterns emerging from interviews and legal documents. The analysis focuses on the four core dimensions of transformational leadership idealized influence, inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation, and individualized consideration and integrates these with the principles of administrative law. Findings reveal that transformational leadership at the Gayo Lues Police is manifested through moral exemplarity and humanistic work ethics, recognition and performance-based motivation, participatory strategic planning across units, and strengthened communication with local leaders and customary institutions. This leadership style has fostered an open, collaborative, and integrity-driven organizational climate, significantly improving the performance of the Narcotics Investigation Unit. The narcotics control strategy rests on four pillars prevention, precision enforcement, rehabilitation, and restorative justice in alignment with Minister of Health Regulation No. 7 of 2025, Police Regulation No. 8 of 2021, and the National Action Plan for Drug Abuse Prevention and Eradication (RAN P4GN) 2025–2029. Moreover, the study highlights an integration between law and leadership in which law functions not merely as a coercive tool but as an educational and moral instrument. The Police Chief’s progressive and empathetic interpretation of the law exemplifies ethical law enforcement that balances authority with social compassion. In conclusion, transformational leadership plays a pivotal role in enhancing the legitimacy and effectiveness of narcotics law enforcement in high-risk regions