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Slank 'sahur' with recovering addicts in anti-drug gesture
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The members of one of the legendary bands of Indonesia, Slank, during their interview with The Jakarta Post in Gang Potlot III, South Jakarta. (JP/Wienda Parwitasari)
L
egendary Indonesian band Slank took sahur (pre-dawn meal) early on Monday with recovering drug addicts, a gesture in support of addiction recovery ahead of the United Nations’ International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, which falls on June 26.
Slank's Drummer Bimbim spoke at the event, emphasizing to survivors the importance of continuing to fight against drugs. In a move to motivate them toward complete recovery, Bimbim spoke of the band's own experience, explaining that the members all feel more invigorated and could work better after having left substance abuse behind.
"But we are still into rock 'n' roll and create. Who says that Slank would cease to exist if we don't use drugs? We want to prove that without drugs and alcohol, we can still be here. We feel more fresh and our skin looks brighter," Bimbim said, as quoted by kompas.com.
The event, which was held at the band's base camp in Gang Potlot III in South Jakarta, was attended by members of the Cukup Gue (I am Enough) Community, as well as representatives from the Social Affairs Ministry and the National Narcotics Agency (BNN).
Read also: Slank gives replica shields to show support for KPK
Bimbim said the band had established the Cukup Gue Community to help addicts be free of drugs. He added that the band is also carrying out efforts to help change the mindset of young Indonesians who have been misguided on the issue of addiction.
"When I was in primary school, ever since I was little, I was already given the wrong perception: that men who don't smoke are not handsome. That is already an early phase toward addiction. However, today Slank [members] don't even smoke," said Bimbim of his experience.
The event hosted by the band was proceeded by a recitation of the tahajud (late night prayer) together before eating and afterward by the morning prayer. (liz/kes)
