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Jokowi launches national program to combat illegal drugs
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Bimo "Bimbim" Setiawan Almachzumi (right), the drummer of legendary rock band Slank, waves to the audience as he stands on stage beside President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo during the launching of the National Program on the Eradication of Illegal Drugs and Drug Abuse in Cibubur, East Jakarta, on Tuesday. (Antara/Rosa Panggabean)
P
resident Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has launched the National Program on the Eradication of Illegal Drugs and Drug Abuse, which aims to combat the rampant distribution of illegal drugs and crimes related to it.
During the launch event of the program in Cibubur in East Jakarta on Tuesday, the President said the state had a responsibility to protect all citizens of the nation.
“Education is important. Therefore, teachers at schools and Islamic boarding schools should explain to students the danger of illegal drugs,” Jokowi said, as quoted by Antara.
He also invited members of legendary rock band Slank to help promote the cause.
“I warn you against marring food and drug supervision by bribery. We must put an end to such [illicit activity] to prevent an increase in victims of drug abuse,” the President said.
Read also: Police uncover drugs smuggled under stacks of oranges
Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM) head Penny Kusumastuti Lukito said the agency continued to strengthen coordination with other stakeholders in the protection of the people from illegal drugs and unsafe food.
“We hope the law on drug and food supervision will be amended soon,” she said.
During the event, representatives of 11 stakeholders signed a joint declaration to eradicate the distribution and abuse of illegal drugs. They are the Health Ministry, the BPOM, the Coordinating Human Development and Culture Ministry, the Home Ministry, the National Police, the Attorney General's Office, the Indonesian Doctors Association (IDI), the Indonesian Pharmacists Association (IAI) and the Indonesian Pharmaceutical Association (GPFI) as well as a student representative and Slank members. (dra/bbs)
