"Village heads, village consultative bodies (BPD), and village communities need to monitor all families and residents around us. If there is anything suspicious (related to drug abuse), immediately report it to the authorities," he noted in an official statement received here on Wednesday.
According to Susanto, taking steps to combat drugs is crucial, especially to ensure that future generations of the Indonesian nation remain free from the dangers of narcotics.
He delivered the statement while opening the Socialization of Good Practices for Shining Villages in Tambakbaya Village, Cibadak Sub-district, Lebak District, Banten, on Tuesday.
He stated that records from the National Narcotics Agency (BNN) show Banten Province is in the yellow zone, which is prone to drug trafficking. Hence, the minister urged all Banten residents to declare a strong stance against drugs.
Susanto emphasized that the Ministry of Villages, Development of Disadvantaged Regions, and Transmigration will make every effort to oversee the realization of a Drug-Free Village or Shining Village.
"We will continue to monitor the Shining Village Program (Clean from Drugs)," he affirmed.
Furthermore, he instructed the ministry to ensure that village heads and officials undergo urine tests next year to confirm they are drug-free.
He underscored that this measure is important as village heads and officials are key players and role models for the village community in eradicating drugs.
He also requested contributions from religious scholars, Islamic boarding schools (pesantren), and schools to work together to combat drugs and limit the activities of drug dealers.
"If village heads, BPD, and all elements of the village community work together, I believe the National Narcotics Agency (BNN) program (to eradicate drugs) down to the grassroots level can be successful," he remarked.
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Translator: Tri Meilani Ameliya, Martha Herlinawati Simanjunta
Editor: Primayanti
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