At the closing of the student orientation of the University of Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM) here on Friday, Prabowo said that the drug problem is a serious challenge for the country.
"We have challenges of drug problems. This continues to happen every day and the number (of drug-related cases) keeps increasing," he highlighted.
Based on Polri's data, he said, there are approximately 4.8 million Indonesians who have been exposed to drugs.
As of August 2023, the National Police had arrested 37,607 drug offenders, and 1,549 of them were college students.
Therefore, the police chief asked students to take care of themselves and their surroundings to avoid getting entangled in illegal drug abuse or circulation.
"As of August 2023, we arrested 37,607 perpetrators (on drug offenses), 1,549 of whom were students. So, please take care of your campus and environment to prevent drugs from circulating here," he said.
Many perpetrators take advantage of drug abuse victims' ignorance to lure them into trying to use drugs, he added.
"Many do not understand. At first, they are persuaded by their friends, then decide to try it because they are ignorant, and once they become addicted their future starts to gloom. Don't let this happen," he cautioned.
One of the police's big measures for eradicating drug trafficking in Indonesia has been arresting and revealing the identities of 39 people involved in the 'Fredy Pratama' transnational network.
The disclosure was carried out in cooperation with the police forces of Thailand, Malaysia, and the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in Jakarta.
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Translator: Vicki F, Kenzu
Editor: Sri Haryati
Copyright © ANTARA 2023
