President calls for development of drug rehabilitation concept for young addicts

The Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, Brian Yuliarto, stated that President Prabowo Subianto has issued directives to design an educational model that supports the rehabilitation of drug addicts, particularly those of a young age.

“What we presented earlier was how to develop an educational and rehabilitation concept that can truly produce young people who can recover and even become productive,” said Minister Brian following a limited meeting at the Presidential Palace Complex in Jakarta on Tuesday.

He noted that the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Kemendiktisaintek) will discuss appropriate concepts and methods alongside universities, specifically involving academics from medical and psychology faculties who have long been involved in drug rehabilitation efforts.

“We will utilise and formulate the best practices already developed by campuses and universities, so that the rehabilitation process for drug users, especially teenagers and young people, is ensured to effectively resolve their issues,” Brian explained.

The President also discussed similar practices implemented by several overseas universities during today’s plenary meeting. This initiative comes amidst ongoing challenges regarding access to illegal substances targeting Indonesia’s younger generation.

He added that research findings developed within universities will be synergised with the requirements of the National Narcotics Board (BNN) and the Ministry of Health, including for therapeutic purposes.

In addition to the Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, the President summoned several ministers and heads of relevant agencies to discuss the issue, including the Head of the National Narcotics Board (BNN) Suyudi Ario Seto, the Head of the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) Arif Satria, the Minister of Law Supratman Andi Agtas, and the Deputy Minister of Health Dante Saksono Harbuwono.