Students admitted to being startled to realize their schools were targeted in the local authorities’ anti-drugs campaign.
Semarang Narcotics Agency, supported by the police, the military and public order personnel, had recently launched the campaign at two junior high schools and two high schools in the city.
Up to 435 students at SMA 3 state senior high school were gathered inside the school hall to undergo an impromptu screening, where they had their bags and other items searched.
“I was shocked. I didn’t expect such an inspection. Previously there were no drug inspections when I was in junior high,” Intan Amalia, a new student, said.
Similar sentiment was expressed by Dama Qoriy Ayanto, a graduate from SMP 1 state junior high in Ungaran.
“This was the first such inspection for me, but there was no problem,” he said.
The students said they had obtained information on drugs from newspapers and television.
“I actually don’t know what kinds of drugs there are. I have never seen them directly, and only know about them from the TV,” Rachmat Fidel said.
Isdiyanto, the acting of head of Semarang Narcotics Agency, said his office had conducted the operation and provided information on the dangers of drugs to four schools in Semarang: SMP 6 and 17 state junior high schools, and the SMA 3 and 5 state high schools.
“We try to explain the dangers of drugs to them so they will not be trapped in drug abuse,” Isdayanto told The Jakarta Post.
The agency has also planned to publish a manual for teachers of students from kindergarten to high school, on the dangers of drugs.
“Teachers are expected to help pass on information to students.
For kindergarten and elementary school students, teachers must tell them to be careful not to accept food and drinks from strangers, because these may contain drugs,” Isdiyanto said.
Using the manual, teachers could respond to any questions from students who were already familiar with news on drug abuse on TV, he said.
“Teachers no longer need to be confused because they are equipped with the manual. This is part of our effort to prevent drug abuse among children, which could endanger their future.”
