Student drug users need empathy not media attention: UI rector
Student drug users need empathy not media attention: UI rector
JAKARTA (JP): University of Indonesia (UI) rector Asman
Boedisantoso called on the Indonesian press over the weekend not
to give too much coverage to students involved in drug abuse
cases.
"The media have exaggerated and repeatedly published stories
on alleged drug abuses by students," Asman told reporters on the
sidelines of a graduation ceremony for UI's 927 graduate students
on Saturday.
He said the press should also publish stories on preventive
and rehabilitative measures provided by the government and
private institutions.
Asman also called on the public to show their understanding of
the real conditions of student users, not merely put the blame on
them.
"We have to understand their condition and provide them with
guidance. We should not corner them," he said.
Asman said the public and related parties should concentrate
on how to implement preventive measures to protect the younger
generations from drug abuses, and ensure rehabilitation programs
for those who were addicted.
The rector said students became involved in drugs mainly
because of influences from a poor environment. "Sometimes because
they get trapped in an unfavorable situation, in which they were
forced to do so by peers."
He praised the national police for their recent successful
operations in netting dug traffickers.
"The anti-narcotic police force have been serious in
eliminating drug trafficking in the country," he said.
However, he called on the police to intensify the operations
to create a drug-free environment in the country.
"Intensified operations are needed to deter those involved in
drug trafficking," he said.
There have been mounting pressures on law enforcement
officials to curb the drug trafficking as they eventually could
lead to wider youth involvement in drug abuse.
State Minister of Women Affairs, Khofifah Indar Parawansa said
last December that at least one million of Indonesian youths,
aged between 15 and 23 years old, are victims of drug abuse.
Tuition fee
Commenting on the UI students' demand that tuition fee be
reduced to ensure the continuation of their education, Asman said
the university allocated Rp 3 billion (US$428,571) to help
finance the poor students for this year's school calendar.
He said the figure represented a 30 percent increase over last
year's allocation of Rp 2.3 billion.
Asman said the program would help cover the students' expenses
-- tuition fee, living cost, thesis preparation cost and side
jobs allowance. (06)