City establishes drug task forces<\/p>\n
The Jakarta Post, Jakarta<\/p>\n
The city administration has established task forces in 10
\ndistricts in the capital to fight drugs.<\/p>\n
Jakarta Provincial Narcotics Body chairman Fauzi Bowo said on
\nFriday the head of the districts in question would serve as the
\nchairs of the task forces, while police subprecinct chiefs would
\nact as their deputies.<\/p>\n
\"The task forces established earlier this month are aimed at
\ngetting more elements of society involved in fighting drugs,\"
\nsaid Fauzi, who is also the city's deputy governor.<\/p>\n
Members of the task forces include officials at both the
\ndistrict and subdistrict levels, as well as public figures and
\nrepresentatives of youth organizations.<\/p>\n
The 10 districts are also taking part in a pilot project on
\npublic services. In that project, each district is given Rp 1
\nbillion (US$102,040) to improve public services.<\/p>\n
Among the districts taking part in the two programs are Tanah
\nAbang and Kemayoran in Central Jakarta, and Kalideres and
\nCengkareng in West Jakarta, where drugs have become a major
\nconcern.<\/p>\n
Fauzi said if more of society got involved in fighting drugs,
\nthere would be a better chance of defeating the scourge.<\/p>\n
\"Local people know more about their neighborhoods. That is why
\nwe are involving them in the task forces,\" said Fauzi, adding
\nthat the narcotics body had been asked to report any drug
\nactivity by sending a cellular phone text message to 2206.<\/p>\n
The administration has set aside Rp 7.5 billion to fund anti-
\ndrug programs this year.<\/p>\n
According to official data, there are at least 10,000
\ninjecting drug users in Jakarta, who face a higher risk of
\ncontracting HIV by sharing needles.<\/p>\n
Official figures show there are 2,505 people living with
\nHIV\/AIDS in the capital, or 45 percent of the 5,540 cases
\nnationwide. These are only official figures. It is believed the
\nactual number of people living with HIV\/AIDS is much higher.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/city-establishes-drug-task-forces-1447893297",
"image": ""
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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