I am optimistic that I can carry out my duties properly."
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The Indonesia National Narcotics Agency (BNN) will cooperate with the Indonesian Military (TNI) to combat the drug menace in jailhouses (Lapas).

"We will cooperate with the TNI to combat the drug mafia in jailhouses. We will involve all elements to eradicate the circulation of drugs in jailhouses," BNN Chief Commissioner General Police Budi Waseso noted here on Tuesday.

According to Waseso, all parties should be involved in the prevention and eradication of drugs.

"The treatment of drug users should be done quickly and aggressively," Waseso remarked.

Waseso was optimistic of curbing drug circulation in the country.

"I am optimistic that I can carry out my duties properly," he emphasized.

On Tuesday, Chief Commissioner General Police Budi Waseso was officially sworn in as head of BNN to replace Commissioner General Anang Iskandar.

Iskandar received the nod to lead the National Polices Criminal Investigation Division.

National Police Chief General Badrodin Haiti led the inauguration ceremony.

In his speech, Haiti stated that the BNN should be able to implement a breakthrough in an effective and innovative manner.

"The BNN needs a reliable leader. Under the leadership of Waseso, I believe that the BNN will prove to be a more capable organization in eradicating and preventing the drug menace," he stated.

The police chief pointed out that Indonesia has experienced a chronic phase in drug abuse.

"In 2015, drug users are estimated to reach 4.1 million, or 2.2 percent of the total population of Indonesia. Material losses are estimated to reach approximately Rp63 trillion, which includes drug expenditures, treatment, and rehabilitation, among others," he noted.

Haiti stated that drug abuse has cast a shadow on the development of the society, including causing moral and mental degradation, child abuse and neglect, as well as drug overdose.

Furthermore, Haiti noted that Indonesia was no longer merely a transit country but was becoming a major drug-producing state.

"Indonesia has taken serious measures to combat drug abuse in the country," he emphasized.

The BNN, as a body that plays a role in preventing and combating drugs in Indonesia, should carry out its duties to the best of its abilities.
(Uu.A063/INE/KR-BSR/A014)

Editor: Priyambodo RH
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