REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has asked Police and Anti-Drug Agency leaders to arrest and punish illegal drug dealers as narcotics abuse in Indonesia claims the lives of 40 to 50 young people every day.
"Some 40 to 50 young people died each day due to drug abuse," Jokowi said here on Sunday.
Indonesia is commemorating the Anti-Drug Day in a ceremony in Kota Tua, West Jakarta.
President said officials in all ministries, state agencies and law enforcer agency should be firm in combating drug abuse.
"I urged all chiefs of regional police to arrest and punish them," the President added.
The drug cases affect 5.1 million Indonesian citizens and cause losses amounting to Rp63 trillion in drug consumption, rehabilitation and medication.
The Head of State said the drug cases also spread not only to adult people but also to the teenagers and children.
"The crime is more saddening because the drug has reached all layers of the people. Some students of kindergarten and elementary schools have also been influenced by drug abuse, both in cities and villages," Jokowi added.
President said the drug cases also spread to state officers and security personnel who should actually set examples for the people.
The drug dealers always found new way 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 the courier," Jokowi said adding that the law to drug abuse should be enforced.
The President also awarded 12 agencies that have been involved in combating drugs such as Sinema 21, Jakarta Regional Police, Customs Directorate General, the crime and investigation department of the police, as well as Solok Mayor Gusmal Yulfadri and the founder of Rumah Cemara Drajat Ginanjar.
The government also gives award pins to several agencies including the Army Intelligence Center, Anti-Drug Forum, Pemata Hati Kita Foundation, Anti Drug Abuse Volunteer as well as Bank Rakyat Indonesia and PT Telkomsel.
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