Country observes Anti-Drug Day

JAKARTA: The country observed Anti-Drug Day Sunday by holding a large assembly in the capital and other regions, but both top leaders were absent from the ceremony to kick off a national campaign against drugs.

The "Say No to Drugs" assembly held at the National Monument Square in Central Jakarta was attended by Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare Jusuf Kalla and Minister of Social Affairs Bachtiar Chamsyah.

Vice President Hamzah Haz was originally scheduled to preside over the opening, but was not present, instead a prepared speech was read by Jusuf on his behalf.

In the prepared speech, Hamzah said there should be concrete actions to follow up the ceremonial event.

Indonesia is one of the biggest markets for drug trafficking, while most of the users are teenagers who often die of overdose.

The large assembly was organized by the National Narcotics Agency (BNN) chaired by the National Police chief Gen. Da'i Bachtiar in cooperation with the United Nation's Drug Control Program (UNDCP) and the Yayasan Cinta Anak Bangsa.

The event, attended by thousands of Jakartans, was also held to observe the World's Anti-Drugs Day that falls on June 26.