PRESIDENT UPHOLDS DEATH SENTENCE FOR DRUG DEALERS

Despite protests from both international and national human rights
groups, President Megawati Soekarnoputri reasserted on Sunday her
support for the death penalty for drug dealers.

Speaking during the launch of a national campaign against drug abuse
and trafficking here, Megawati said a maximum punishment was necessary
due to the imminent danger of drug-related crimes among youth.

"Due to the great dangers of drug abuse that has threatened our
younger generation, I will uphold the capital punishment for all
drug-related crimes," Megawati said.

Megawati has rejected requests for pardons from convicted drug
dealers.

Last month saw the execution of Indian national Ayodhya Prasadh
Chaubey, who was convicted in 1994 of smuggling heroin into the
country. Thai nationals Saelow Praset and Namsong Sirilak, who were
also convicted in connection with the case, are on death row, after
failing in their appeals for a presidential pardon.

Megawati said she had rejected dozens of appeals from convicts
sentenced to death for drug-related crimes as a deterrence to the
increasing cases of drug trafficking.

District courts across the country, particularly those of Tangerang
and Banten provinces, have sentenced 27 drug dealers to death within
the past year.

The 1997 law on narcotics stipulates a maximum death sentence for
drug-related crimes, but cases of drug abuse have been on the rise
over the last five years.

According to the latest survey from state-owned University of
Indonesia, 3.9 percent of children have tried drugs.

"Drug-related criminals account for half of all criminals we arrest
now," National Narcotics Agency chief of operations Comr. Gen. Makbul
Padmanegara said before the launch of the campaign.

In her speech, Megawati also warned of drug trafficking, which had
reached youths in rural areas.

In addition, she expressed her concern that drug abuse was also found
among elementary school students.

"We have to raise community awareness and commitment to the fight
against drug abuse and trafficking. Just say no to drugs," Megawati
said.

About 12,000 people attended the launch of the national antidrug
campaign at Bung Karno stadium, Central Jakarta, including
representatives of various community groups and non-governmental
organizations.

Two popular rock bands, Padi and Dewa, performed at the event, and
educational videos on the dangers of drug abuse were shown.