15,000 Banyumas officials to have urine tests
15,000 Banyumas officials to have urine tests
Agus Maryono, The Jakarta Post, Purwokerto
Around 15,000 civil servants in Banyumas regency, Central Java,
will undergo a urine test in the near future to ensure that their
bodies are free from illegal drugs.
The plan has followed reports that some local officials are
addicted to narcotics, Banyumas Regent Aris Setiono told
journalists earlier this week.
He added that the move would also be part of efforts to
prevent the further spread of drug abuse in the town, which has
begun to hit local students.
Earlier last month, at least 45 members of the Banyumas
legislative council underwent a urine test. However, the results
have not been released.
Bambang Priyono, secretary of the Banyumas administration, who
also chairs the city's drug board, said a similar test would also
likely be conducted on local university students.
Banyumas Police chief Sr. Comr. R. Nata Kesuma said that,
apart from civil servants and students, local police officers
would also be subject to urine tests.
"We will punish those whose drug tests prove positive," he
promised.
Alcoholic drinks and drugs have become a matter of serious
concern in Banyumas, with civil servants and students from junior
and senior high schools as well as universities targeted by
dealers or falling victim to them.
The latest drug incident occurred last Friday when the local
police arrested nine senior high school students from Sumpiuh
subdistrict for having a marijuana and liquor party during school
hours.
The party was held at a empty house, while the suspects wore
school uniform.
Two weeks ago, a joint team of Banyumas police and officials
from the local education office rounded up at least 100 senior
and junior students who were skipping classes.
They were arrested at tourism and entertainment spots, where
some of them were buying liquor.
Last year, the local police also arrested at least eight
senior high school students who got drunk and raped a female
student.
The spread of illegal drugs in Banyumas, the capital city of
Purwokerto, was believed to have emanated from the Baturraden
tourism resort, discos and cafes.
It was unclear whether there would be regular liquor or drug
raids on local entertainment centers in future.