WHO: ALCOHOL VICTIMS REACH 320,000 PER YEAR

Jakarta, 27 Shawwal 1434/2 September 2013 (MINA) – The World Health Organization (WHO) in a report on 2011 stated that nearly 320,000 people died per year due to alcohol .

Director of Department of Mental Health and Drug abuse, Shekhar Saxena, said that alcohol is the cause of all deaths especially young children in some parts of the world, including in Indonesia.

The statement quoted from the official of GENAM (National Anti-Alcohol Movement) by Mi’raj News Agency (MINA). In GENAM own records, every year the death toll in Indonesia due to alcohol reach 18,000 people.

According to the the Chairman of GENAM , Fahira Fahmi Idris , alcohol’s rule seems it is treated to be not really important by the government and very hard to be considered despite having a very serious impact among teenagers.

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“We can see now how easy juvenile crimes happen. And look, how horrible the existence of motorcycle gang and vandalism recently that can’t be wiped out ,” said Fahira.

According to the woman who is active as a social activist, government regulation for alcohol is very weak . At the highest structure, only Presidential Decree 3/1997 which regulates the circulation of alcohol.

Therefore, the Supreme Court in a decision on June 18, 2013 repeal Decree about the alcohol governance .

“Based on research results conducted by GENAM until 2012, from 505 districts cities in Indonesia, only about 15 areas that have anti-alcohol regulation,” Fahira explained.

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Fahira gives an example in Manokwari, Papua, through Regulation No.5/2006 , Manokwari government banned all types of alcohol, including traditional alcohol.

“Even the law also prohibits anyone entering Manokwari when affected by alcoholic beverages (dronk),” said Fahira .

Concerning of the negative impact from alcohol, Fahira and hundreds of teens declared National Anti- Alcohol Movement ( GENAM ) in Jakarta, on Sunday morning ( 1/9 ) .

With the declaration of the movement, GENAM which consist of 120 organizations and communities with 120,000 members from all over Indonesia want to save the young generation from the dangers of alcohol . (T/P05/E1) .

Mi’raj News Agency ( MINA )