S. Sumatra sees rise in drug abusers

PALEMBANG, South Sumatra: The number of drug abusers in South Sumatra has increased markedly to 507 people last year, from a mere 228 in 2002, according to data from the local government.

The 150 percent increase in the number of drug abusers has become a cause of concern to provincial officials.

Sadly, the province does not yet have a modern, fully equipped drug rehabilitation center, which has given rise to fears that drug addicts cannot get proper treatment, said Udi K. Hidayat, head of the Juvenile Delinquent and Drug Victims Social Rehabilitation Section at the South Sumatra administration. -- JP