Megawati worried about moral decay

JAKARTA: President Megawati Soekarnoputri expressed concern on Wednesday over moral degradation among the country's youth, marked by rampant drug abuse, gambling, student brawls and pornography.

Even more alarming, Islamic boarding schools, popularly known as Pondok Pesantren are not completely free of drugs as cases of drug abuse have also been found there, she said.

"The President expressed concern over drug abuse in Islamic boarding schools as was uncovered in one Islamic boarding school," chairman of the Ulema and Islamic Schools Body (BAKUPPI), Hasib Wahab Chasbullah told reporters after meeting President Megawati on Wednesday at the State Palace.

Hasib also said the government would soon draw up plans to combat drug abuse. -- JP