Mega urges families to fight drugs, violence

Sari P. Setiogi, The Jakarta Post, Lumajang, East Java

President Megawati Soekarnoputri urged Indonesian families on Sunday to strengthen bonds among family members to reduce the number of drug users and level of violence in the country.

Speaking before thousands of people attending the 10th National Family Day celebration in Lumajang, East Java, Megawati said that drug abuse and violence were rampant among teenagers and young people aged between 17 and 30.

"Of 15,000 drug-related cases from 2000 through 2002, about 46 percent of them involved young people aged between 17 and 30," said Megawati, adding that most of those involved in drug abuse had dropped out of school.

With loving and harmonious families, such cases could be reduced.

"A strong nation is built on a strong community, which starts with a strong family," said Megawati.

Minister of People's Welfare Yusuf Kalla, meanwhile, said at least 17 percent of the country's 215 million population belonged to low income bracket.

"Poverty can easily lead people into conflict and we should avoid this wherever possible," he said.

Jusuf also called for the empowerment of women in families as they had important roles to play in creating prosperous families.

During the ceremony, President Megawati presented Satya Lencana Wira Karya awards to 60 officials for their work in making the family planning program a success in their respective areas. The Indonesian Military (TNI) chief Gen. Endriartono Sutarto and National Police chief Gen. Da'i Bachtiar were among the recipients.

The President was also shown a new flipchart to be used as part of the National Family Planning Board (BKKBN)'s program as a decision-making tool to encourage interaction between contraception providers and their clients so as to support the family planning program.

About 2,500 low-income families were given grants valued at Rp 250,000 per household for them to improve the floors in their houses.

Several cabinet ministers attended the ceremony, including health minister Achmad Sujudi, the Minister of Manpower and Transmigration Jacob Nuwawea, and State Minister for Women's Empowerment Sri Redjeki Soemaryoto.