"We are fully committed to this cooperation because drugs are our common enemy," Minister of Villages and Development of Disadvantaged Regions Yandri Susanto said while receiving BNN head Marthinus Hukom in Jakarta on Monday.
Susanto emphasized his commitment to protecting and saving village communities, especially the younger generation, from drug abuse.
By working with BNN, efforts to prevent and eradicate drug abuse in villages can be carried out in an integrated, effective, and targeted manner, he added.
Susanto explained that a lack of knowledge and awareness about the dangers of drugs is one of the main factors behind drug abuse in villages.
He also noted that poverty and unemployment can drive people to use drugs as a way to cope with life's hardships. The easy and cheap availability of drugs further exacerbates the problem at the village level, he added.
Together with the BNN head, Susanto plans to visit villages to ensure that ministry personnel are making serious and focused efforts to combat drug use.
He stressed that everyone has a responsibility to create a safe and drug-free environment for future generations.
During the meeting, BNN head Hukom noted that drugs pose a serious threat to villages, trapping the younger generation, which holds the nation's future.
Therefore, the government and the community must work together to take firm action against drugs, he added. Prevention, rehabilitation, and law enforcement programs need to be intensified to help village communities regain peace.
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Translator: Tri Meilani, Raka Adji
Editor: Anton Santoso
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