Introductory Remarks of President Joko Widodo during Limited Cabinet Meeting on Drug Eradication and Rehabilitation of Drug Abuse Victims, at Presidential Office, 24 February 2016 at 2 PM
Unofficial English Translation
Assalamualaikum warrahmatullahi wabarakaatuh,
In the limited meeting this afternoon, we will discuss measures for drug eradication and rehabilitation of the victims of drugs abuse.
I want the steps to eradicate drugs be taken more actively, more bravely, more intensively, more comprehensively, and in integrated efforts.
Also on this occasion, I want all ministries and institutions to put aside sectoral ego. They must act together because drug eradication is at the top of our list, our major issue.
In fact, all ministries and institutions should create a synergy to take actions together, starting from the National Narcotics Agency (BNN), the Indonesian National Police (Polri), the Indonesian National Defense Forces (TNI), Ministry of Law and Human Rights, Customs Office, Ministry of Communication and Informatics, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health, and Ministry of Social Affairs, all must take an integrated step.
Indeed, war against drug abuse must be undertaken seriously.
Not only do we declare war against drugs and drug dealers, but we also must uphold a stronger law enforcement to networks involved because drug abuse is now prevalent.
We must close gaps for drug smuggling at our entry points, be it seaports, airports, or small seaports around the country.
It is also of great importance to boost creative campaigns on the dangers of drug abuse.
Another issue that is equally important, which I have said to BNN Chief, is that we must conduct a very strict surveillance at detention centers (Lapas), particularly those that have drug convicts.
Additionally, the BNN and the National Police, aided by the TNI, must conduct sudden inspections to detention centers once or twice a month regularly because more than 50 percent of drug trafficking happen in detention centers.
Last but not least, we must carry out a more effective rehabilitation for drug addicts, so we can cut the chain of drug abuse.
That is all my introductory remarks. Now I would like to invite BNN Chief to take the floor. (Humas Setkab) (EP/YM/Naster)