No ecstasy in solving drug problems: Surjadi

No ecstasy in solving drug problems: Surjadi

JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia now has the notorious distinction of
being a drug exporting country, particularly in the illegal
production and distribution of ecstasy pills.

Minister of Home Affairs and Regional Autonomy Surjadi
Soedirdja said on Thursday that Jakarta has received complaints
from several countries urging the government to crack down on
contraband activities.

Speaking to journalists after a coordinating meeting on
welfare affairs at the vice president's office, Surjadi admitted
that production of the illicit drugs had reached an alarming
level.

"Some countries have complained about this because the effects
of the Indonesian pills are said to be more intense, but also
more dangerous, than others," Surjadi remarked without further
elaboration.

The minister also admitted that the government's steps to
minimize drug abuse in the country has not succeeded in denting
the rising number of drug abusers, which has spread throughout
all age groups and professions.

"Many organizations have tried to reduce the rising number of
drug abusers, but success of the efforts compared to the
increasing cases shows that they have not been effective enough,"
Surjadi said.

"In the meeting, the Vice President demanded effective efforts
be instigated to cope with the problem, particularly preventive
measures," he remarked.

However, Surjadi remarked that the meeting had not yet decided
upon concrete steps to tackle widespread drug abuse.

"As we all know the spread of HIV (Human Immunodeficiency
Virus)/AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) cases will
follow the narcotics problem. According to statistics four
provinces -- Irian Jaya, Jakarta, Bali and Riau -- have a high
numbers of AIDS cases," Surjadi said.

National Drugs Coordination Board (BKNN) Chairman Comr. Gen.
Ahwil Luftan said Indonesia produces many types of ecstasy pills,
as most ingredients for the mood-enhancing hallucinogenic are
easily found here.

"The pills' ingredients can be found anywhere and only needs a
pharmacist's assistant to formulate the drug. Here, they mix the
main substance of amphetamine with many chemical substances,"
Ahwil said.

The government is currently working on an amendment to the
narcotics law that will impose a death penalty for those found in
possession of a determined amount of substances.

The Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has been discussing
the revisions since last year.

Another measure that could be included is stricter control of
certain chemical imports conducted by pharmaceutical factories
across the country.

"We need to strengthen our efforts in dealing with drugs and
increase social awareness of the problem," Ahwil remarked. (dja)