Millennials Need Special Attention in Combatting Drug Abuse: Indonesian Vice-President

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – On World Drug Day, Indonesian Vice President Ma’ruf Amin asked that millennials be given extra attention to protect them from narcotics and illicit drugs.

World Drug Day is observed every June 26 and was initiated by the United Nations on December 7, 1987.

The Indonesian Vice President made the statement during an International Anti-Narcotics Day 2020 event held by Indonesia’s National Narcotics Agency.

“The most vulnerable group when it comes to drug abuse are those between the ages of 15-35 years of age, otherwise known as the millennial generation. This requires special attention,” said Ma’ruf during his speech.

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The Indonesian Vice-President said that the management of narcotics cases should be held to the same standard to the coronavirus pandemic management.

In both cases, a society must be offered protection and guarantee that they can live, grow, and live optimally.

Also read: Indonesian President Warns Against Complacency in Fight against Covid-19

Ma’ruf shared data from the United Nations which says that in 2018, 275 million people around the world consumed narcotics.

The number comprises 5.6 percent of the world population ranging from 15-64 years of age.

In 2017, the National Narcotics Agency recorded as many as 3.37 million Indonesians between the age of 10 and 59 involved in drug abuse.

That figure increased in 2019 to 3.6 million in which 2.29 million students were associated with drug abuse activities in 2018.

“The millennial generation will replace the current generation in the coming decades. They have to be healthy and productive. They must live 100% to the fullest and happily without drugs,” said Ma’ruf.

The Indonesian Vice-President’s statement references Indonesia’s bonus demography that is spearheaded by the millennial generation.

Ma’ruf has called for preventative measures as part of a demand reduction strategy.