Student drug users need empathy not media attention: UI rector<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): University of Indonesia (UI) rector Asman
\nBoedisantoso called on the Indonesian press over the weekend not
\nto give too much coverage to students involved in drug abuse
\ncases.<\/p>\n
\"The media have exaggerated and repeatedly published stories
\non alleged drug abuses by students,\" Asman told reporters on the
\nsidelines of a graduation ceremony for UI's 927 graduate students
\non Saturday.<\/p>\n
He said the press should also publish stories on preventive
\nand rehabilitative measures provided by the government and
\nprivate institutions.<\/p>\n
Asman also called on the public to show their understanding of
\nthe real conditions of student users, not merely put the blame on
\nthem.<\/p>\n
\"We have to understand their condition and provide them with
\nguidance. We should not corner them,\" he said.<\/p>\n
Asman said the public and related parties should concentrate
\non how to implement preventive measures to protect the younger
\ngenerations from drug abuses, and ensure rehabilitation programs
\nfor those who were addicted.<\/p>\n
The rector said students became involved in drugs mainly
\nbecause of influences from a poor environment. \"Sometimes because
\nthey get trapped in an unfavorable situation, in which they were
\nforced to do so by peers.\"<\/p>\n
He praised the national police for their recent successful
\noperations in netting dug traffickers.<\/p>\n
\"The anti-narcotic police force have been serious in
\neliminating drug trafficking in the country,\" he said.<\/p>\n
However, he called on the police to intensify the operations
\nto create a drug-free environment in the country.<\/p>\n
\"Intensified operations are needed to deter those involved in
\ndrug trafficking,\" he said.<\/p>\n
There have been mounting pressures on law enforcement
\nofficials to curb the drug trafficking as they eventually could
\nlead to wider youth involvement in drug abuse.<\/p>\n
State Minister of Women Affairs, Khofifah Indar Parawansa said
\nlast December that at least one million of Indonesian youths,
\naged between 15 and 23 years old, are victims of drug abuse.<\/p>\n
Tuition fee<\/p>\n
Commenting on the UI students' demand that tuition fee be
\nreduced to ensure the continuation of their education, Asman said
\nthe university allocated Rp 3 billion (US$428,571) to help
\nfinance the poor students for this year's school calendar.<\/p>\n
He said the figure represented a 30 percent increase over last
\nyear's allocation of Rp 2.3 billion.<\/p>\n
Asman said the program would help cover the students' expenses
\n-- tuition fee, living cost, thesis preparation cost and side
\njobs allowance. (06)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/student-drug-users-need-empathy-not-media-attention-ui-rector-1447893297",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
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