Asrorun Ni'am Sholeh, the ministry's Deputy for Youth Empowerment, stated at the 2024 National Anti-Drug Youth Cadre Forum (KIPAN) on Thursday that the path to drug dependency often begins with cigarette use.
"It does not mean that people who smoke will necessarily use drugs, but it could be a trigger since tobacco products are addictive substances," he said.
Starting this year, the ministry has expanded its focus beyond traditional anti-narcotics education to include programs aimed at preventing the use of other addictive substances, such as cigarettes.
The 2024 KIPAN Forum, attended by hundreds of participants from 38 provinces in the country, was part of the National Action Plan for the Prevention and Eradication of Narcotics Abuse and Illegal Distribution (P4GN).
With the active involvement of KIPAN cadres, the younger generation is expected to lead drug prevention efforts in their respective regions.
Sholeh said that enhancing the capacity of cadres through this forum aims to enable youth to act as collaborators and innovators in the community, especially in creating environments free from cigarette smoke and illegal drugs.
He also highlighted the economic, social, and cultural impacts of smoking, which are of common concern in building a quality generation aligned with the Golden Indonesia 2045 vision.
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Translator: Aditya R, Kenzu
Editor: Anton Santoso
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