Say no to drugs, Asian youths pledge

Hundreds of youths from 19 Asia Pacific countries gathered in Bali to attend the first Asian Youth Congress on Drug Abuse Prevention from Aug. 26 through Aug. 29. The magnitude of drug- related problems has joined together these young people to combat the menace of drugs. The Jakarta Post's Rita A. Widiadana and I Wayan Juniarta report in the following articles.

As millions of young people worldwide are affected and die from drug-related causes, some 300 high school and university students strongly pledged to fight against drugs and move forward in the forefront as proponents in their own communities to create a "clean, healthy and drug-free" society.

For four consecutive days, participants from 19 countries, Australia, Bangladesh, Buthan, Cambodia, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Jamaica, Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Pakistan, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand and the United States, discussed not only the problem of drug abuse but most importantly sought to find solutions to this issue.

Thomas More Adhika Prabhaswara, a member of the Southeast Asian Nation Association (ASEAN)'s Law Student's Association, disclosed that Indonesia and other Asian countries had become prime targets for international drug trafficking.

"In Indonesia and elsewhere, the majority of drug abusers are young people, particularly males 15 to 25 years old," he said.

What makes it more interesting is that the majority of these abusers are high school or university students. In addition, he said, a report showed that there was a rising trend of abuse among young executives, employees, artists and entertainers. Other reports said members of the Army and police were also involved in using and trading illegal drugs.

In 2001, data from the Ministry of Health estimated there were around one million drug users in Indonesia and the number might increase in coming years.

Veronica Colondam from Yayasan Anak Cinta Bangsa (YACB), a non-governmental organization dealing with drug prevention, added some grim statistics.

From August 2000 through March 2002, YACB carried out a rapid assessment survey in 10 major cities in Indonesia, with around 3,700 respondents aged from 12 to 19. The survey revealed 8 percent of the youths surveyed admitted they had tried drugs at least once, whereas one in four would continue using them.

The main reason, for 40 percent of those who had experimented with drugs, was their own curiosity. This was followed by peer- group influence (32 percent), with only 17 percent citing stress or family problems.

"This is the real picture of what is happening in Indonesia, where approximately 15 million junior and high school students are in close proximity to 300,000 active users," claimed Colondam.

Director of Colombo Plan Drug Advisory Program Tay Bian How said that drug abuse was one of today's most challenging health and social problems. It was more pervasive in most countries than before.

"Early involvement with any drug is a risk factor for later drug abuse and criminal activity," How pointed out. The more severe the early involvement, the greater the risk that antisocial behavior would emerge in the future.

"These young people, a particularly vulnerable sector of the population, are a key target of prevention efforts," he added.

How also urged congress participants to take an active role in fighting drug abuse. He said that young people could take vital leadership roles as "agents of change."

"Empower yourselves to be positive role models. This congress provides the opportunity for the young to be leaders, to be willing to serve and be committed to fight drug problems in your community."

Just like a small amount of yeast in the kitchen, How said, "The magic life-giving power that turns dough into wholesome bread is a reminder of the potential within you." A small amount of yeast can activate a great mass of dough, he said. "You can be a leader in transforming your community into a drug-free area and make a difference to the world tomorrow."

The congress was jointly organized by the Colombo Plan Drug Advisory Program, National Narcotics Boards of Indonesia and YACB.

The seed of an idea in organizing this Youth Congress came from Thom Browne, Deputy Director of the Bureau for the International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) of the Department of States of the United States.

Drugs and the problems of the young are also intertwined in many parts of Asia, including Thailand, which is part of the notorious "golden triangle" illegal drug producing and trafficking center.

Sanya Jarernlaptawee, a Thai participant, shared his experience. Thailand was now actively implementing a nationwide youth-to-youth drug abuse prevention program.

The problems with drugs spreading throughout the Asian region and the world were terrible. The spread of illegal drugs had directly contributed to the rise in criminal acts perpetrated against innocent people, terrorism, economic and social problems, as well as trouble in the academic field and in family life.

"The problems affect us all, especially young people who are our future. If they become addicted to drugs, the future fiber of our countries and the whole world is in jeopardy."

In Thailand, he said, a program, Pure Heart Club Organization, supported by the Royal family, was aimed at promoting antidrug activities and encouraging members to establish activities to support youth campaigns against drugs.

"We use famous actors or public figures to attract the young to join the programs and the result has been encouraging." The organization has been supporting more than 100 projects for youths to learn how to prevent drug abuse and fight against it.

Another success story was also reported from as far afield as Fiji. Fiji has established Youth and Drug Substance Abuse (YADSA) which focuses mainly on youth problems related to drugs.

Fijian participant Martha Kayaga said the programs targeted both the young and adults, including teachers and parents.

"We are trying to reach out to mothers' groups and parents so that they also become aware of drug problems and will be able to help their children," she said.

All the programs held in the above countries are attempts made by the region's communities to fight drug abuse. And the Asian Youth Congress could become the first integrated attempt by young people in the region to say "No" to drugs and enforce the pledge they made in order to help each other and stay away from drugs.