Despite protests from both international and national human rights groups, President Megawati Soekarnoputri reasserted on Sunday her support for the death penalty for drug dealers. Speaking during the launch of a national campaign against drug abuse and trafficking here, Megawati said a maximum punishment was necessary due to the imminent danger of drug-related crimes among youth. "Due to the great dangers of drug abuse that has threatened our younger generation, I will uphold the capital punishment for all drug-related crimes," Megawati said. [continues 298 words]
Criticized for its futile attempts to curb drug trafficking, the government has now decided to change tack. President Megawati Soekarnoputri has ordered National Intelligence Agency chief A.M. Hendropriyono to take charge of coordinating the antidrug activities undertaken by all state institutions. So far, this job has been the responsibility of the National Narcotics Coordination Agency (BKNN), which was inaugurated in July 2000 by Megawati, the then vice president. The BKNN, which is directed by Comr. Gen. Da'i Bachtiar, was founded after the government learned that between 1997 and 1999 the number of drug abuse cases had risen by 100 percent. The BKNN is answerable directly to the President. [continues 449 words]
