Newsflash Indonesia: Activists Call for End to Human Rights Abuses Against Drug Users

Indonesian activists demanded an end to human rights violations of people who use drugs, during protests and demonstrations marking the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on June 26.

Though many governments use June 26 to showcase harsh drug policies through mass arrests, abuses, and even executions of drug users, Indonesian groups used the day as an opportunity to build alliances and call for reforms.

About 60 people who use drugs and their allies marched in the capital of Jakarta to call for an end to discrimination against people who use drugs, the implementation of laws decriminalizing drug use, and programs to prevent HIV in prisons. The protestors asked the Indonesian government to fulfill its mandate to ensure the right to health for all and to provide drug treatment, including medication-assisted treatment.

The protestors unfurled a banner detailing their demands and utilized street theater to reenact police abuses directed at drug users.

The demonstration was organized by PERFORMA and included participation from drug user groups from five districts, labor organizations, college students, and doctors, among others. The demonstrations were covered widely by local and national press.

In another part of Jakarta, more than 25 groups, including OSI grantee STIGMA Foundation marched to protest abuses against drug users and torture more generally. The day was an opportunity to build alliances among diverse Indonesian organizations.

The OSI International Harm Reduction Development Program publishes periodic newsflashes highlighting recent developments in international efforts to reduce harms associated with drug use.