| This rapid assessment explored the likelihood of children in Jakarta to be involved in the production, sale and distribution of illicit drugs. Information obtained from the metropolitan Jakarta police and nongovernment organizations (NGOs) pinpoints at least 74 locations in the city that have been identified as where drugs are sold and used. For this assessment, 93 young people were interviewed with the help of a questionnaire. Six indepth group interviews involving 30 children also were conducted. In addition, the researchers interviewed 13 resource persons who represent agencies that provide different responses to the issue. The results of the rapid assessment suggest that children are involved in the sale and distribution of illicit drugs at an early age and that drug use may either precede the involvement, or the role a young person plays in distribution may lead to drug use. Many of those interviewed were involved in selling or delivery illicit drugs while in school. Most children started using marijuana and consequently distributed and sold it, along with psychotropic (non-narcotic) pills, such as ecstasy and shabu-shabu. Although most parents in the assessment knew of their children’s involvement, it seems they discovered it too late, and they were not equipped to react adequately or appropriately. School officials experienced a similar situation. The education system is not equipped with knowledge and skills to cope with the problem appropriately. Many children expelled from schools or who can’t continue their education for financial reasons or other difficult circumstances typically have no constructive activities in their homes and community. They are more likely then to mingle with jobless adults and become vulnerable prey for people looking for accomplices in their drugdealing activities. Most of the young people in the assessment did not seem initially to be aware that their involvement in the illicit drug business was risky; the realization typically came after they had been arrested and experienced severe punishment. Institutional responses have been scanty and not adequate to deal with the problem, which may involve 1-2 per cent of all children in Jakarta or 10-20 per cent of children who are currently using drugs. To cope with the problem, we suggest that the existing policies be reviewed – especially the legal provisions in the Narcotics and Psychotropic Acts. These laws should be amended to comply with the more specific law on child protection (Act No. 23/2002). Community awareness, networking among concerned institutions within and outside of the community, improving and maintaining facilities for culture, sport and recreation are all included in this assessment’s proposed recommendations. Most important is the realization that this problem is seriously complex. No agency or institution can work by itself. Cooperation and coordination within and among sectoral agencies will be needed to prevent children from being exploited further, as well as from becoming victims of illicit drug use. |