The International Day Against Drug Abuse: Indonesia

Narcotic use in Indonesia was not a perceivable problem at one time and that was during the Soeharto regime but now it is problem and a big one.

It is also a concerning problem for foreigners who are targeted by the authorities in certain situations. Some are rightly so as in the Bali nine and others, like Corby, who are caught up in a situation of irreversible misfortune.

We have all been offered drugs on the streets of Bali at one time or another and although that situation has quietened of late, it will return as the tourist numbers increase on the island. Have no doubt about that. The simple truth is that to use narcotics in any form in Indonesia will surely attract the attention of the police and that is one way to ruin your holiday.

It was pleasing to read an article in the Jakarta Post by Nia Pulungan on the adolescent face of drug abuse and the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illegal Trafficking.

The adolescent face of drug abuse

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has launched this year's theme for the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking: "Drugs are not child’s play".

In real life however drugs of various types are the most sought after toy among teenagers and adults alike with a 2005 study revealed 25 percent of Jakartans being exposed to drugs and drug users.

A former counselor with non profit organization For All Nations says drugs are now just an arm's length away for most people. "Just walk five or 10 meters from your house and you can find drugs if you know how" said Ricky Soerapoetra.

Drug abuse is no longer the domain of street children, criminals or adults - children from stable, middle-class families are also at risk. Meeting a drug dealer is often as easy as making a new friend for a teenager.

Dealers are known to lure in business by giving drugs free to first time users and discounts on second and third purchases. The prices go up later on when the customer is sufficiently addicted.

A 15 year old cocaine user said she got her drugs from a "friend" she met a night club whose dealer now provided what she needed. "It's like pizza delivery" she said.

Another girl also 15 said she had first been exposed to drugs by her boyfriend who was two years older than her.
"My boyfriend took me to a small hotel and there he made small cocaine inhaler out of a bottle" she said.
"You can get anything from him. And he has not got caught although many people in the school know that he is a user because his school only sees his good grades" she added.

A high school girl said she had used Concerta 10 times initially out of curiosity. The prescription drug is abused because of its euphoric and energizing effects although excessive consumption can lead to cardiovascular failure and seizures. Concerta is commonly used to treat attention disorder hyperactivity disorder.

Thorough and close control from schools and families is needed to tackle drug abuse, Ricky said.

"Schools must introduce drug-related subjects in class to raise the students' awareness of the dangers of consuming drugs and must encourage more communication with parents" he said.