Bali Governor Proposes Regulation On Drug Eradication

Denpasar (Antara Bali) - Bali Governor Made Mangku Pastika is proposing a provincial regulation to synergize efforts for preventing and eradicating the drug menace.

"Bali used to be a transit area for the sale of drugs, and now, it is a market for drugs and not a possible producer," he noted here on Monday.

According to Pastika, as an international tourism destination, the potential for the use of illegal drugs is high and poses a threat to the society.

"We have to anticipate all negative possibilities. Strategic actions have to be taken, and one of them is through a regulation to synergize all actions and stakeholders," Pastika stated.

He noted that people should change their mindset that an addict is not a criminal, but, in fact, a sick person and a victim who needs medical treatment, such as therapy and rehab.

The provincial administration is preparing its rehabilitation facilities and infrastructure by utilizing the general hospitals and medical centers to treat addicts, both through inpatient and outpatient recovery programs.

"Criminals, traffickers, smugglers, dealers, and those who help them must be punished by law," Pastika emphasized.

He hoped that the National Narcotics Agency (BNN) of Bali province can coordinate with all stakeholders, including religious figures, to eradicate the use of illegal drugs.

Head of Bali`s BNN Police Brigadier General I. Gusti Ketut Budiartha noted that Bali currently has least 50 thousand drug addicts.

In 2015, Bali administration targets to rehabilitate 2,083 drug addicts through inpatient and outpatient treatments. (WDY)