15,000 INDONESIANS DIE ANNUALLY OF DRUGS: MINISTER

Youth and Sports Minister Adhyaksa Dault revealed Saturday evening
that 15,000 Indonesians die of drug-related illnesses each year.

"That's not even accounting the growth of HIV/AIDS patients; a social
tsunami in and of itself, since what we know is only the tip of the
iceberg," Adhyaksa said, as quoted by kompas.com on Sunday.

He argued that the increasing number of drug abuse and people
infected with HIV/AIDS were major issues facing all societal elements.

A concerted effort to quell the two problems is needed, Adhyaksa
said, adding that cigarette smoking was one of the avenues that
eventually lead to drug abuse.

"Schoolchildren are at the greatest risk, so self-preservation and
surveillance by parents and family members is needed," he argued.

According to Southeast Sulawesi governor HB Paliudju, 71 HIV/AIDS
cases were reported in Southeast Sulawesi in 2008.

Most of those who suffered full blown AIDS were dead, he said. "The
number of HIV/AIDS cases in this region continues to increase from
year to year, so all members of society need to work hand in hand
with the regional administration in alleviating the problem."