Jobs may curb drug abuse and AIDS

Jobs may curb drug abuse and AIDS

Abdul Khalik
The Jakarta Post/Jakarta

Once a drug user, Sarifuddin, 26, a resident of Kampung Bali,
Central Jakarta, has found that working at a modest motorcycle
wash depot in the area has increased his self-esteem.

"I quit drugs. I have more useful things to do and a stable
income, some Rp 20,000 (US$2.23) a day. I feel useful, not only
to my family, but also to my neighborhood," he told The Jakarta
Post.

Sarifuddin had previously spent most days hanging out with his
friends, playing the guitar. Kampung Bali has the highest number
of drug-abuse cases and HIV/AIDS in Jakarta. According to the
Pelita Ilmu Foundation's (YPI) center for drug users, there is at
least one drug user in every family in the area, and 40 people
have died of AIDS-related diseases this year alone.

Sarifuddin is among 20 drug users who participated in a
training program organized last year by YPI. The center hoped the
training would empower them to adopt healthier lifestyles and
generate income.

While center manager Punky Djoko acknowledged that the
training and jobs could assist the drug users -- who are mostly
young people, with a history of involvement in crimes such as
drug-dealing, burglary and theft to buy drugs.

"The activities boost their self-confidence while providing
them with positive daily activities, particularly young people
who are still clean, as well as first-time drug users, for whom
it is easier to quit," he said on the sidelines of a meeting
between Kampung Bali residents and State Minister for Women's
Empowerment Meutia Hatta on Wednesday.

Punky said that the center was now involved in monitoring and
rehabilitating around 1,600 drugs users in the area. According to
the center's latest survey of 223 drug users, 200 of them are HIV
positive.

Many of the around 120 residents who attended the discussion
expressed concern over the high level of unemployment of young
people and parents in the area. They said many families were too
poor to send their children to school.

Meutia agreed that poverty was one of the key factors as to
why many residents had not been stronger in fighting drug abuse.

"We will launch programs to give residents, especially
housewives, the skills to raise their income levels," said
Meutia, whose office contributed Rp 7 million to the center.

Samsjuridjal Djauzi of Dharmais Hospital -- who is also the
center's advisor -- said the state minister's office would work
with the YPI, Dharmais Hospital, the University of Indonesia, and
the National Narcotics Agency (BNN) to train more people.

"We will begin to train around 20 to 30 people next month.
They will become trainers, who will be sent to train others
around Jakarta, not only in Kampung Bali," he said.