REGULAR INTERACTION WITH CHILDREN, YOUTH KEY TO FIGHTING DRUG MENACE by Fardah

Jakarta, June 27, 2016 (Antara) - Most parents nowadays are too busy earning a living that they hardly find the time to lend an ear to their children and the youth, in particular.

         Such a situation is quite ironic as at this age, children and youth need people whom they could speak to and someone who can listen to their problems and give them advise, guidance, or comfort.

         If the parents often fail to give time to their children, it is likely that they might go astray or find someone else or even strangers who are willing to listen to them.

         Therefore, while commemorating International Day Against Drug Abuse on June 26, the United Nations (UN) chose the theme "Listen First" as it is believed that being heedful to children and youth is the first step to helping them grow healthy and safe.

         "Listen First" is an initiative to amass support for preventing the use of drugs that is based on science and is thus an effective investment to ensure the well-being of children and youth as well as their families and communities.

         The World Drug Report 2016 of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime revealed an increase in the number of drug users from 27 to 29 million people aged 15-64 years, and the disastrous resurgence of heroin in some regions.

         It is the first time that International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is being observed since the adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals last year.

         Goal 3 calls on countries to strengthen the prevention and treatment of narcotic drug abuse, end AIDS, and combat hepatitis.

         According to the UN, Goal 16 is designed to help build peaceful, just, and inclusive societies and institutions that can address illicit drugs, crimes, corruption, and terrorism.

         The Indonesian government, which has declared a state of emergency with regard to drug abuse in the country, also observed International Day Against Drug Abuse.

         Speaking at a function held in Jakarta on June 26, President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) reiterated his call for imposing severe punishment on drug offenders as 40 to 50 young Indonesians died every day due to drugs.

         The president affirmed that the officials in all ministries, state agencies, and law enforcement agencies should adopt a firm stance in combating drug abuse.

    
Drug cases have affected 5.1 million Indonesian citizens and have caused losses amounting to Rp63 trillion in the form of drug consumption, rehabilitation, and medication.

         The head of state said the drug cases not only involved adults but also teenagers and children.

         "The crime is more saddening as drugs have penetrated all layers of society. Some students of kindergarten and elementary schools have also been influenced by drugs, both in cities and villages," Jokowi added.

         The president pointed out that drug cases also spread to state officers and security personnel, who should in fact be setting a precedent for the people.

         The drug dealers always found new ways to deceive law enforcers to sell the prohibited items.

         "They are using other people, including children and women, to avoid suspicion. The drug dealers use them as couriers," Jokowi noted, adding that the law on curbing drug abuse should be enforced.

         Speaking at the same function, National Narcotics Agency (BNN) Chief Budi Waseso said his agency had rehabilitated a total of 42,429 drug addicts across the country.

         The rehabilitation program was implemented in state-run and private rehabilitation centers, he stated.

         The BNN-run centers are located in Lido in Bogor, West Java; Baddoka in Makassar, South Sulawesi; Tanah Merah in Samarinda, East Kalimantan; and Batam in Riau Islands; among others.

         During the period between 2015 and June 2016, the BNN headquarters and provincial offices had uncovered 1,015 cases involving 72 drug syndicate networks and 1,681 suspects.

         The agency had also seized Rp142.058 billion from drug-related money laundering, 2.8 tons of crystal methamphetamine, 707,864 ecstasy pills, 4.1 tons of marijuana, and 69 hectares of marijuana fields.

         To help curb the drug menace, the BNN has set up an Anti-Drug Task Force, with a total of 19,854 members, according to Waseso.

         "The massive measure is the right strategy to building the people's power against drug trafficking," Waseso emphasized.

    
The task force's members comprise students, civil servants, and the community, he noted.

         The agency has also conducted urine tests on a total of 186,533 people since 2016 as an early detection measure in government offices, in particular.

         Of the total, 1,175 people had tested positive.

         Moreover, the agency has implemented an alternative empowerment program by organizing life skills trainings for 705 people living in drug-prone areas.

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(T.F001/A/BESSR/F. Assegaf) 27-06-2016 13:01:46