REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, BATUSANGKAR -- The District Head of Tanah Datar, West Sumatra, Irdinansyah Tarmizi, has pointed out that illegal drugs abuse was to the real enemy of today's young generation.

"During the war era, our enemy were the colonists, but today our enemy is turning out to be illegal drugs," he said at the opening of an intelligence quiz, a choir and painting, speech and marching competitions in Batusangkar, West Sumatra, on Thursday.

The Regent noted that the challenges people faced in the two eras were similar in a sense that they both put the lives of Indonesians at risk.

"Drugs abuse not only takes away lives, but also damages the lives of younger generation," Tarmizi reiterated.

The Regent stated that he wished the younger people are able to protect themselves as well as their families from the danger of illegal drugs, and learn to firmly say no to drugs and instead strengthen themselves with religious faith.

A spokesperson of the Home Affairs Ministry in Tanah Datar, Irwan said the competitions were being organized to enliven the 71st Independence Day celebrations.

The event, organized by the Education Services along with the National Youth Committee, was attended by participants from 29 high schools in Tanah Datar with professional judges from a number of educational institutions, Irwan noted.

The competitions started on August 3 and will end on August 10.

These are being held under the theme, "Raise nationalism and patriotism by building a healthy, drug-free youth community in Tanah Datar."

"The aim of this event is to enhance the spirit of unity, nationalism and pride as Indonesians," Irwan concluded.

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