Almost 1 million youths abuse drugs: Expert
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)