Teenagers to fight drug abuse

JAKARTA: Twenty-five teenagers from various high schools in the city gathered at City Hall for an English oration contest on Sunday, and presented candid proposals to address common problems for teens, ranging from drug abuse to student brawls.

One participant, Dimas Ponco from State High School (SMUN) 8 took up the issue of drug abuse among teenagers, and proposed a movement of peer pressure against drug use.

His proposal was based on the fact that many high school students started taking drugs because of peer pressure. Therefore, peer pressure against drug abuse would likely be effective in curbing the spread of drug use among teenagers.

Dimas won the first prize of Rp 3.5 million (US$410) for the men's division in the contest, organized by the city administration.

Other winners were Ignatius Bima Prasetio from Kanisius High School in second place and Edo Fernando from SMUN 103 in third place.

In the women's category, the first prize went to Eka Nur Safitri from SMUN 1. She was followed by Ronauli from SMUN 6, Aleksandra Pohan from SMUN 8, Rania from SUMN 16 and Haning Pangastuti from SMUN 13. -- JP