A group of parents stage a rally and a signature campaign against illegal drugs in Surabaya, Indonesia's second largest city, on June 12th, 2011. The event was held out of concern for increasing drug use among youth, despite the fact that the crime carries death penalty in Indonesia. [Juni Kriswanto/AFP]

Many reports in local outlets suggest that Indonesian youth are a target for drug sellers, especially in big cities like Jakarta, Surabaya, Yogyakarta, and Medan. But most young people fully support their nation's goal of becoming drug-free by 2015.

Fajar Sujarwo, 23, a student at Gadjah Mada University (UGM), admits that drugs are a big concern in Yogyakarta, a famous education centre hosting thousands of students each year.

He recalls how students rejected drugs as an expression of patriotism on Youth Pledge Day, October 28th, which honours the day in 1928 when youth across the archipelago declared their allegiance to the nation-to-be.

"On Youth Pledge Day last year, in a youth congress at UGM, we renewed our commitment that as Indonesians we share a single motherland, nation, and language. We also made promises that we will do good deeds, as the youth represent Indonesia's future. This includes staying away from drugs and corruption," Fajar told Khabar Southeast Asia.

"We read aloud the Youth Pledge that day, making a commitment to stay away from bad influences and to help make our nation strong," he added.

Karina Halim, a student focusing on social and political science, also witnessed the moment.

"We need this kind of reminder every year," she said.

Karina told Khabar she fears about drug use on campus. "You never know, maybe your closest friend is a user or seller," she added.

Increase in arrests sparks concern

According to Yogyakarta government data reported by The Jakarta Post, the number of students arrested for drug use in the district increased from 52 in 2011 to 58 in 2012.

"I think the number of students who were arrested is different from the number of users. I am sure the real numbers of users are much more, but it's unknown," she said.

On Wednesday (January 30th), Education and Culture Minister Mohammad Nuh proposed that anti-drug lessons be incorporated into the school curriculum.

"Anti-drug lessons can be part of our new 2013 curriculum to protect school students from drugs," he said after opening an educational workshop at Yogyakarta Muhammadiyah University (UMY).

"We will have anti-drug lessons in our extracurricular activities. The curriculum will educate students why they should stay away from drugs, no matter what," he said.

The minister said he would mandate the involvement of the National Narcotics Agency (BNN) in designing the anti-drug curriculum.

"BNN already has experience and a good system available to do this, so we will involve them," he said.

The agency is ready to help, according to BNN spokesman Sumirat Dwiyanto.

"This will also help our mission. We are targeting Indonesia to be drug-free by 2015," he told Khabar via telephone from Jakarta.

"Our effort to stop drugs in this country is still ongoing. In 2010 and 2011, the percentage of drug users was around 2.2 %. But in 2015, we are hoping that we can be a drug-free country."

Schools, parents play a key role

Sulistyo Danu, 35, a teacher at a junior high school in Sleman, Yogyakarta, said BNN and educators will need to diversify their efforts in the fight against drugs.

"BNN and schools must do more to campaign against drugs – not only by training, but also by providing fun activities such as sports, acting, or art," he told Khabar.

"Students need a better understanding as to why drugs are not only unhealthy for our bodies and society, but also how drugs can ruin their future," he said.

Asked about Indonesia being free of drugs in 2015, Sulistyo said it is possible.

"It will take a lot of work from everyone to do so – especially since we have less than two years," he said.

"All stakeholders must be involved in this mission. Parents must pay close attention; teachers must encourage students to avoid drugs; religious leaders need to help our kids develop a strong religious understanding and morals. Meanwhile, the government needs to continue its efforts to enforce the rule of law," he said.