President Calls on Students to Avoid Drugs to Develop Nation

Jakarta, (Antara) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has invited students, especially those in Papua, to avoid using drugs and engaging in violence to develop the nation's quality.

"These activities can harm the Indonesian youth, who will emerge as leaders of the nation in future," Jokowi noted here on Friday.

On the third day of his working visit to Papua Province, as stated by Deputy of Protocol, Press, and Media of the Presidential Secretariat Bey Machmudin, the president attended the seminar on refusing the use of drugs and stopping violence and pornography among students held in Graha Lux ex Oriente, West Sorong Sub-district.

Jokowi stated that Indonesia's young generation will emerge as leaders of the nation in the next two to three decades.

The president emphasized that it is possible for a Papuan to become the Indonesian head of state.

"However, the children have to study seriously and work hard. People cannot just laze around to achieve the highest goal," Jokowi stated.

The president believes that just being smart is not enough to achieve the goal, but the community should also avoid drugs and violence.

"It is futile if the children are smart, but they are consuming drugs. Please be aware. All people should avoid drugs and violence," Jokowi stated.

Jokowi also called on teachers and parents to demonstrate good character, as Indonesian people are known for their hospitality.

According to the president, teachers and parents should teach good manners and hospitality to mould the personality of the children.

President Jokowi and First Lady Iriana also visited Theresia Kindergarten in Sorong City, West Papua Province, to observe study activities.

Jokowi and Iriana also attended an event to raise awareness on tuberculosis and cervical cancer testing at the Remu Public Health Center in Sorong Manoi Sub-district of Sorong City.(*)
Reported by Hanni Sofia