... the KPU and the BNN have agreed to support each other in the efforts to prevent and eradicate narcotic abuse ..."Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The National Anti-Narcotics Agency (BNN) will participate in the preparations for the regional elections, scheduled to be held in February next year, in various regions in Indonesia.
"Due to the increasing reports of narcotic cases involving regional government officials, the General Election Commission (KPU) has responded in all earnestness to calls from various parties asking it to involve the BNN in the preparation process for the elections," BNN spokesman Senior Commissioner Slamet Pribadi said in a press statement received here on Saturday (Sept. 24).
The narcotic drugs can affect anyone and, therefore, everyone must shoulder the responsibility to stem this menace, he urged.
"In view of that, the KPU and the BNN have agreed to support each other in the efforts to prevent and eradicate narcotic abuse and illegal distribution of narcotic drugs in the run up to the elections," he added.
As part of the efforts, the candidates would be put through narcotic tests which will be carried out by not only the KPU but will also involve the Indonesia Medical Association (IDI) and the Indonesian Association of Psychologists (Himpsi), he informed.
"The KPU had earlier formulated a specially standardized test and candidates will be put through it simultaneously," he disclosed.
He said all parties hoped that the synergy among various bodies would lead to a healthy election atmosphere, making it possible for the people to choose smart regional leaders who stand as bulwark against narcotics.
(Reporting by Susylo Asmalyah/Uu.H-YH/INE/KR-BSR/B003)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
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