West Java BNN Affirms Free Drug Rehabilitation Services

The National Narcotics Agency (BNN) of West Java Province has dismissed claims circulated by students that rehabilitation services for addicts are paid. They affirmed that such services are free, except for rehabilitation services managed by the private sector.

According to information gathered, a number of student movements intended to stage a demonstration at the BNNP office. However, by late afternoon they had not arrived.

Head of BNNP West Java, Brigadier General Sulistyo Pudjo Hartono, said he was ready to open a dialogue with students regarding the issues they raised. He said his office had engaged several agencies to explain the matters in question.

“We invited the Social Service, the provincial Health Service, Kesbangpol, and the Regional Police so that issues concerning rehabilitation institutions can be explained openly according to each agency’s authority,” he said recently.

Pudjo said this particularly concerned the legality and mechanism of rehabilitation services provided by the private sector. He said the rehabilitation institution under scrutiny, Ultra, has complete licensing.

He said the institution holds a permit from the social affairs agency and has a memorandum of understanding on coaching with BNNP West Java. Meanwhile, two other institutions mentioned in the information received by the student group had long ceased operations.

He stressed that the public has the right to obtain rehabilitation services as well as the right to choose the rehabilitation facility they desire. His agency provides free rehabilitation services through BNN-owned facilities and designated government health facilities.

“Everything owned by BNN is completely free,” he said.