Acting Governor Heru Budi Hartono gave his speech during the Drug Abuse Counseling for Students in Jakarta. The program initiated by Jakarta TP PKK was participated by 500 students from 14 senior/vocational high schools.

to be able to contribute to sustainable national development

Heru stated that Jakarta Provincial Government is committed to give the best for youngster in preparing 2045 gold generation. One of the concerns about the smoking ban for students, including electronic cigarettes/vapes.

"Indonesia is in third place in the world for smokers behind India and China. Therefore, Jakarta Provincial Government and parents must prevent smoking," Heru said, Monday (8/5).

Heru added that parents have an important role in ensuring that children avoid negative behavior that stems from bad habits, such as smoking.

"Our burden as parents is getting heavier. It is because e-cigarettes are more dangerous since the liquids could contain something not suitable for use," he added, as quoted from Jakarta Provincial Government's press release.

Heru explained Jakarta has budget Rp 18.2 trillion to maintain, foster, and improve the standard of living of citizens through social safety net. The funds disbursed include the Jakarta Smart Card for underprivileged students, which is now recorded as many as 19 thousand citizens have felt the benefits.

"I'll stop the card for students caught smoking including e-cigarette. Also students who caught conduct brawling," he explained.

Heru also highlighted that students should not be exposed to drugs, online loans (pinjol), and online gambling (judol). One of the efforts made is to cooperate with various parties to record residents by name by address who do pinjol or judol.

"Before we stop the card, we should try to guide the student and parents about this," he added.

Meanwhile, Acting Jakarta TP PKK Chairwoman, Mirdiyanti, explained this program was run to advance the insight of teenagers, especially students, about the dangers of drug abuse, and form a wise and prudent young generation of Jakarta in facing the future.

"They are expected to be able to contribute to sustainable national development," she said.