Minister: Indonesians Spend Rp72 Trillion on Illegal Drugs

TEMPO.CO, Bondowoso - The Minister for Social Affairs, Khofifah Indar Parawansa has expressed her concern about the value of illicit drugs that are estimated to be consumed by Indonesians - as the National Anti-Narcotics (BNN) has estimated that Indonesians spent Rp72 trillion on drugs until August 2016.

"This is a surprising jump - considering that in May 2016, BNN estimated the figure to be closer to Rp63 trillion," said Khofifah during an anti-drug declaration at the Mambaul Ulum Islamic School in Wonosari, in Bondowoso, East Java on Saturday, August 27, 2016.

The declaration - which was done at the an Islamic school under the tutelage of KH Salwa Arifin - also involved thousands of students from Islamic schools across Bondowoso, and an Anti-Drug Islamic Association. "Rp72 trillion would be better off if it were used to fund the construction of islamic schools," said Salwa, whose answer was enthusiastiacally welcomed by his followers.

In the occassion, Khofifah also took the time to inform the attendees about a new opioid derivative that is commonly known as krokodil in Russia - which causes the dermis of the user to dry out and resemble a cracked crocodilian skin. "We have begun tonreceived reports of krokodil addictions in Jakarta and West Java," she said.

Khofifah also called on parents to be extra vigilant when it comes to observing their child's activities, as srug dealers often target young children - even going as far as packaging illegal drugs in seemingly harmless confectionary packagings. "We know that some users were lured by the promises of free drugs - but eventually these children will be told to steal their parents belongings to fund their addictions," she said.

Before ending the session, Khofifah also took the time to remind people that no place is absent from drugs. "We have heard that people keep their stash in mosques and universities because these are perceived as safe hiding spots," finished Khofifah.

ANTARA