Agency unveils mobile drug-testing laboratory
Slamet Susanto, The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta
Iwan Paskah, the manager of Papilon Night Club, entered a large open veranda at Yogyakarta Palace. He took a form from a desk in the corner, joined hundreds of people sitting on the floor and began to fill out the form while waiting for his name to be called to take a drug test.
"I do not have problem with the drug test. I am ready to be tested 24 hours a day, but I am really not ready for an alcohol test," said Iwan with a smile.
Iwan was one of hundreds of people who volunteered to take a urine test at the Yogyakarta Palace on Wednesday. The tests marked the launch of a vehicle operated by the Yogyakarta Narcotics Agency that will serve as a mobile drug testing laboratory. Among those taking the tests at the palace were people from bars and clubs, as well as local councillors and police officers.
The function was attended by Yogyakarta Governor Hamengkubuwono X and the deputy chief of the Yogyakarta Narcotics Agency, Brig. Gen. Arifin Rachim.
Iwan acknowledged the entertainment business was often associated with drugs and alcohol. However, he said most of those who worked at clubs and bars did not drink or use drugs.
"Me and my employees are not worried about taking part in this test because we do not use drugs. I hope that participating in this test will help improve the image of the entertainment business," said Iwan.
So'im, the secretary of the Yogyakarta Narcotics Agency, said the agency's new mobile drug lab would help fight drug dealing and use. The lab will allow officers to test people's urine for traces of narcotics anywhere and anytime, with the results immediately available.
"The vehicle will be available for tests at private and government offices," said So'im.
The mobile lab will be operated by two employees of Grashia Hospital. So'im said the agency has also signed a cooperation agreement with the police, which will deploy officers to guard the vehicle when it is out on the streets.
Company and government offices will be charged Rp 15,000 (US$1.60) for each urine test. The mobile lab will be able to process 100 urine samples in five minutes, said So'im.
Brig. Gen. Arifin Rachim said the introduction of this mobile lab was timely given the rising number of drug cases in the country. According to statistics from the agency, some 1.5 percent of the country's population of 220 million, or 3.4 million people, are involved in drugs whether as users or dealers.
The agency estimates that of this 3.4 million, about 31 percent are addicts. "That number is growing every day," said So'im.
Provincial councillor Ida Fatimah said the mobile lab would be effective for performing unannounced drug tests at government offices or schools.
He said the lab would serve as a deterrent to stop people from using drugs. Government employees, students and others may think twice about using drugs if they know this mobile lab could pull up in front of their office or school at anytime.