BNN states social stigma remains a challenge for former drug addicts

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The National Narcotics Agency (BNN) stated that social stigma and limited access to employment remain challenges frequently faced by former drug addicts after completing rehabilitation and reintegrating into society.

‘Employment opportunities are a crucial factor in supporting sustained recovery and helping former addicts avoid relapse risks,’ said BNN Chief Commissioner Suyudi Ario Seto in a statement confirmed in Jakarta on Monday.

Amid these challenges, hope emerged from a meeting between BNN Chief Commissioner Suyudi Ario Seto and BPJPH Head Ahmad Haikal Hasan at BPJPH headquarters in Jakarta on Thursday (21 May).

Suyudi explained the meeting discussed plans to collaborate on empowering former drug addicts as Halal Process Assistants (PPPH) for micro, small, and medium enterprises (UMKM).

In the meeting, BPJPH Head Ahmad Haikal Hasan expressed readiness to involve former drug addicts as PPPH to create job opportunities and support social reintegration.

It was noted that this initiative continues a similar program previously implemented by BPJPH involving former inmates.

Suyudi welcomed BPJPH’s support for empowering former addicts who have completed rehabilitation through the PPPH programme.

He stated that inter-agency synergy is crucial to support recovery, enabling former addicts to live independently, productively, and be accepted in society.

Besides discussing the empowerment collaboration, Suyudi also highlighted recent drug trends, particularly the threat of e-cigarette fluid being used as a new medium for drug consumption.

He revealed that various liquid narcotics are being developed by drug trafficking syndicates for use in e-cigarettes, which are increasingly perceived as part of modern lifestyle.

Therefore, he also sought BPJPH’s support in strengthening preventive measures against the misuse of e-cigarette fluids potentially used for drug consumption, to protect the public, especially youth, from new drug threats.

At the conclusion of the meeting, both parties agreed to formalise the collaboration through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) as an initial step to strengthen synergy and support for the Prevention and Eradication of Drug Abuse and Trafficking (P4GN) efforts.