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UNODC Conducts Training for Frontline Police Officers on How to Respond to Drug Users



Jakarta (Indonesia), 18 September 2014 - Indonesia's National Narcotics Agency has found that the number of drug users in Indonesia is increasing. In 2005, 1.75% of Indonesia's population was using drugs. This number has been consistently increasing and is expected to reach 2.8% in 2015. By then, the number of drug users will exceed five million people. The National Narcotics Board specified in 2008 that dependent drug users constitute 47% of all users, of which 7% were drug dependent injectors. Drug dependent injectors are of particular concern because they have a high risk of contracting and spreading HIV.

Prior to 2009, Indonesia's drug laws did not differentiate between the use and supply of illicit drugs and sanctions were severe for those convicted in either category. This is reflected in national data, which shows that 30-40% of prisoners in Indonesia are drug-related cases. In addition to this, occupancy levels in Indonesian prisons in 2012 were above 160%. The overcrowding in prisons combined with poor nutrition and limited access to healthcare means that prisoners are at a high risk of contracting and spreading HIV. The Ministry of Justice and Human rights reported in 2010 that 37% of women and 25% of men in prison were using drugs, the majority by injection. These factors have influenced a growing concern over HIV transmission.

The Government of Indonesia has recognized that the imprisonment of drug users does not provide benefits but makes their condition worse. The Government of Indonesia codified this in 2009 when it passed legislation to classify drug users as patients, not criminals. This is a positive step in promoting more effective responses to HIV; it represents a health rather than a criminal response. Additionally, the Government has named 2014 as a year of salvation for drug users meaning that no new drug users are to end up in prison. Individuals who use drugs will be offered treatment from the criminal justice system.

To assist the Government of Indonesia in realizing this goal, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime is contributing to the implementation of a multi-sectoral approach. From September 15th to 17th, 2014, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, along with the Indonesian Police, will hold a three day training workshop for frontline police officers in Yogyakarta. It is not the first of its kind, as UNODC held workshops of the same theme earlier this year in Batam and Makassar. The workshop in Yogyakarta will ensure that law enforcement officers are aware of effective and appropriate ways to respond to individuals who use drugs.

The training will aim to improve the knowledge and understanding of members of the Police in areas such as the conditions and treatment of drug addiction and the prevention, transmission and treatment of HIV/AIDS. Further, law enforcement officers will gain improved knowledge and understanding of Indonesia's national policies relating to drug users, including those with HIV/AIDS. Participants will have the opportunity to discuss the development of a drug dependent treatment system that is effective, evidence based and consistent with national policy.