Special prison for drug users planned

DENPASAR, Bali: The Ministry of Justice is planning to establish a prison for drug offenders, Antara reported yesterday.

Head of the provincial office of the ministry, Suhadi, said the establishment of the prison, which will be the only one of its kind in Indonesia, will commence some time in 1998 or 1999.

It is likely, however, that the government will upgrade the status of a prison in Bangli, some 45 km east of here, and turn it into a prison for drug offenders.

"It's a more effective plan than building a new prison which would absorb a great amount of money," Suhadi said.

The prison is expected to be staffed by experts who will be able to give convicts religious and psychological counseling. (swe)