Almost 1 million youths abuse drugs: Expert

JAKARTA (JP): Drug abuse is currently affecting at least 900,000 members of Indonesia's youth, says an expert.

The figure represents 70 percent of 1.3 million known cases from the age group of 12 to 55, said police Maj. Gen. Hadiman, president of the Social Cooperation Agency for Promoting Noble Citizens (Bersama Indonesia).

"Practically every social level, age group, broken and happy family have been affected," he said on the sidelines of an ASEAN NGO workshop here Monday.

Apart from Hadiman, two other speakers presented their views in the morning session on the first of the three-day workshop including Encik Hamzah Sidang Mohammad of Malaysia and Dr. Bhakdi Juttijudata who was represented by Dr. Nareewan Chintakanond.

Drug distribution points in Indonesia have widened from big ports like Medan, Jakarta, Ujungpandang and Bali to smaller ports like Palu in Southeast Sulawesi, Hadiman said.

Asked about the involvement of children of top government officials in drug abuse, Hadiman said: "Drug distribution has affected all segments of society."

Recently, five military officers were arrested on charges of possession of 60kg of drugs. Last month, the son of a top Indonesian Army general was also implicated in a drug abuse case.

Asked about the follow up of all these cases, he said: "You will have to check these matters with the police".

Bersama has set up information centers throughout Indonesia to provide essential information on drug abuse, symptoms, existing programs and future plans. It also disseminates educational information to get parents and society participation in the problem.

"They (parents) could occasionally check the (school children's) bags for questionable pills, powder or cigarettes. Most of them not aware of any problems until the police get involved," he said.

Hadiman urged parents to establish better communication with their children and that they should guide and teach them to say no to drugs and to attentively monitor their activities.

Society could also make their contribution by taking preventive action and necessary steps to treat the addicts, he said.

Drug vendors, driven by big profits, combine substances of similar characteristics like detergents and powders which are hazardous in nature.

"In the last few months, at least 30,000 people have died from drug abuse," Hadiman said.

Meanwhile, in his paper Dr. Juttijudata cited the "Friends for Friends" plan in Thailand where school children are provided with one and a half days training on drug abuse, persuasion, physiology, team work, basic Chamma (good deeds) and others.

"The student groups, comprising 60 students from each school, will play an active part in drug abuse prevention", said Dr. Chintakanond.

The workshop is the 9th International Federation of Non- Governmental Organization (IFNGO) focusing on drug abuse among young people. (06)