We strongly condemn drug criminals who are wrecking the university environment
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology has strongly condemned drug use, distribution, and abuse in universities that is targeted at students.

"We strongly condemn drug criminals who are wrecking the university environment," the ministry's acting Director General of Higher Education, Research, and Technology, Nizam, said here on Monday.

He conveyed the remarks in response to the police's recent raid against drug syndicates at the State University of Makassar (UNM) in Makassar, South Sulawesi.

Nizam said the ministry is fully committed to fighting against narcotics, alcohol, psychotropic drugs, and other addictive substances as they can ruin the nation's future generations.

Universities in Indonesia are striving to realize a healthy campus free from drug substance abuse, which remains a constant threat for all, he affirmed.

He then urged universities to take stern action against students or other individuals associated with their campuses who are found to be involved in drug distribution.

University leaders must also cooperate with law enforcement agencies to improve efforts to eradicate drug abuse, he added.

"Universities should be safe and comfortable (spaces) to study and develop ourselves. For university students, let us guard our campuses against drug substance distribution and abuse that can ruin your future," Nizam said.

The official added that university rectors have established an association by uniting anti-drug abuse volunteers of universities, or ARTIPENA, to fight against drug abuse.

He affirmed that monitoring against drug use and abuse has also been conducted at the directorate general in collaboration with the National Narcotics Agency (BNN).

"Drug tests for all directorate general staff have also been held several times to prevent negative aspects, such as drug substance, from infiltrating our agency," he informed.

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Translator: Astrid FH, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Sri Haryati
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