President Declares War Against Illicit Drugs

Jakarta, June 26 (Antara) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has declared a war against illicit drugs, as they affect the physical and mental health of the people, thereby hindering the nation's competitiveness and progress in the long run. "There is no other way but to declare a war against illicit drugs," President Jokowi stated while speaking during the commemoration of International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking at the State Palace here on Friday. The number of victims of drug abuse in the country reaches 4.1 million, or 2.2 percent of the total population. Material losses due to drug abuse are recorded at Rp63 trillion. "Drug-related crimes are categorized as extraordinary and serious crimes. Moreover, drug crimes are transnational and organized crimes, so they pose a concrete threat that require serious and urgent handling," he affirmed. Therefore, the fight against illicit drugs should involve every stakeholder and not solely the National Narcotic Agency (BNN). Preventive measures that are measurable and sustainable should be prioritized in the fight, he added. Rehabilitation of drug addicts should be stepped up from 18 thousand last year to 100 thousand this year and 200 thousand for the next year, he stated. He also instructed to strengthen law enforcement measures against drug abuse and trafficking.