To this end, Granat Chairman Henry Yosodiningrat said here Saturday that urine tests should be made part of requirements for nominating candidates for the presidential and parliamentary elections.
The required urine tests are aimed at supporting Indonesia's efforts to make it become a drug-free country, he said, adding that drug addicts must be prevented from joining the upcoming general elections.
According to Yosodiningrat, the urine tests must be required at the early stages of selecting candidates. Granat has proposed its view to the House of Representatives (DPR) and government.
Indonesia remains under serious threat from drug dealers, as several individuals from its working-age population get trapped in a vicious circle.
The National Narcotics Agency's (BNN's) report that some 50 Indonesians die of drugs everyday has yet to deter drug users in the country to stop consuming the addictive substances.
The users of crystal methamphetamine, narcotics, marijuana, and other types of addictive drugs can be any of the community members from distinct socio-economic and cultural backgrounds.
Hence, it comes as no surprise if drug users are, sometimes, politicians, students, and entertainers. In April 2018, for instance, a former legislator, Arbab Pabroeka, was arrested for a drug offence.
In August 2018, Ibrahim Hasan alias Ibrahim Hongkong, a member of Langkat District's legislative body in North Sumatra Province, was also arrested for his alleged involvement in trans-national drug trafficking activities.
Due to this case, Ibrahim was sacked from the membership of the National Democrat Party (Nasdem), which had paved the way for his political career until he was elected as a member of Langkat District's legislative body.
Considering the above reality, drug trafficking activities have appeared to be an ongoing threat to Indonesia`s security and human resources.
In winning the war against drug dealers, harsh punishments, including the imposition of death penalties to drug dealers, are needed.
However, the law enforcement approach also needs to be combined with preventive measures, such as regular blood and urine drug tests for students, employees, and other segments of society, as well as public awareness campaigns on the danger of addictive drugs.
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Translator: Bagus AR, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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