BNN: Public Stigma Towards Drug Rehabilitation Needs to be Changed

The Head of the Indonesian National Narcotics Board (BNN), Inspector General Pol. Suyudi Ario Seto, is urging a change in public stigma towards drug rehabilitation services so that they are viewed as a vital part of the recovery process.

“Public understanding regarding rehabilitation needs to be continuously strengthened so that those affected by narcotics issues receive the appropriate support during the recovery process,” Suyudi stated in a briefing confirmed in Jakarta on Wednesday.

He explained that narcotics rehabilitation services consist of a series of healthcare services aimed at restoring the physical, mental, and social functions of patients after drug use, enabling them to become independent and functional members of society once again.

Suyudi emphasised that the BNN will continue to open opportunities for collaboration to strengthen the handling of narcotics issues through rehabilitation and post-rehabilitation approaches.

Recent discussions focused on strengthening collaborative efforts in educating the public about the dangers of narcotics, rehabilitation, and increasing community awareness regarding evolving narcotic threats.

During the audience, Suyudi conveyed that any ideas or initiatives regarding the handling of narcotics issues presented to the BNN will be further reviewed.

In addition to rehabilitation, the development of electronic cigarettes or vapes has also become a concern due to findings of new psychoactive substances (NPS) within these products.

“Education for the public needs to be continuously strengthened so that the various forms and modes of increasingly diverse narcotics abuse can be recognised early,” he added.

This collaboration is expected to expand the reach of education while reinforcing the understanding that combating narcotics abuse requires the involvement of all elements of society.