By: Andika Pratama)*
Drug abuse continues to be a major threat that damages the future of the younger generation and the social stability of the nation. In an effort to prevent the negative impacts of drugs, a holistic approach is a key strategy that must be implemented early on. This approach not only includes formal education aspects in schools, but also involves families, communities, and related institutions in building individual resilience to the threat of drugs.
Schools as educational institutions play a strategic role in instilling awareness of the dangers of drugs. As conveyed by the Advisory Board of the National Anti-Narcotics Movement (Granat), Togar Sianipar, that cooperation between the National Narcotics Agency (BNN) and the Ministry of Education is a crucial initial step. Drug prevention education must be designed in such a way as to suit the age and needs of students.
At the PAUD level, drug prevention materials can be delivered through interesting media such as comics or educational games. At the secondary to higher education levels, the content must be more in-depth, including an understanding of the types of narcotics, their impacts, and the legal consequences for users and dealers.
Togar emphasized the importance of the family’s role in forming resilience against the negative influences of the environment. The family is the first line of defense in protecting children from the clutches of drugs. Family resilience can be built through good communication, education about the dangers of drugs, and full attention to child development.
One effective way is to create a harmonious home environment and provide real examples of a healthy lifestyle. Parents should be more proactive in supervising their children’s social interactions and providing time for dialogue about important issues, including the dangers of drugs.
In addition to schools and families, communities and religious institutions also play a major role in preventing drug abuse. The Sumenep Regency BNN has shown real steps by providing education on the dangers of drugs to students at the Nurul Hidayah Islamic Boarding School. Through a religious-based approach, moral and religious values can be a strong foundation for instilling awareness of the negative impacts of drugs.
The modus operandi of drug dealers is increasingly diverse. As conveyed by the Head of Prevention and Community Empowerment, BNN Sumenep Regency, Rahwini Suwandi, that some dealers use children’s snacks to infiltrate drugs. There are many ways used by drug dealers to distribute these illicit goods. Therefore, early education must include the ability to recognize potential threats and how to protect oneself.
A holistic drug prevention strategy cannot work without cross-sector collaboration. In addition to the BNN, the police, educational institutions, and civil society organizations, all parties must work together to create a drug-free environment.
These steps are in line with the education program carried out by the Ciamis Police which actively provides socialization to students about the dangers of drugs. Ciamis Police Chief AKBP Akmal, stated the importance of preventive measures through humanist education for students. This shows that law enforcement efforts must go hand in hand with educational and counseling approaches. Collective public awareness to report drug abuse is also an important part of supporting drug eradication efforts.
In the digital era, technology can be used as an effective tool to convey information about the dangers of drugs. Educational content in the form of interactive videos, game applications, and social media campaigns can reach the younger generation more widely. This approach allows information to be delivered in a way that is relevant and interesting to children and adolescents.
However, supervision of children’s access to digital content also needs to be improved. Some drug dealers use digital platforms to distribute their illicit goods, such as through social media or marketplaces. Therefore, education about digital literacy is an important part of drug prevention strategies.
Drug prevention is not only the responsibility of individuals or families, but must also be a national movement involving all elements of society. A national campaign with slogans such as the Golden Generation Without Drugs can be a unifying spirit in fighting the threat of drugs.
The government, through the BNN and related institutions, needs to continue to hold massive campaigns throughout Indonesia, both in urban and rural areas. With full support from the community, the opportunity to create a drug-free young generation will be even greater.
A holistic approach to early drug prevention is an important investment for the future of the nation. Synergy between families, schools, communities, and the government must continue to be improved to create an environment that supports the growth of a healthy and productive young generation.
Through education, cross-sector collaboration, and the use of technology, drug abuse can be prevented effectively. Indonesia needs a golden generation free from drugs to realize the ideals of a more advanced and competitive nation at the global level.
)* The author is a contributor to Jabartrigger.com