The head of Kupang Archdiocese’s Commission for Youth says young people need to have strong faith to stay away from drugs, which have become a growing menace in the region.

Father Agustinus Pareira was speaking on Saturday in response to an East Nusa Tenggara narcotics bureau report which said drug abuse is spreading through the region at an alarming rate.

Bureau figures in September revealed there were 2,887 known drugs users in the region, but that the true number of addicts is likely to be much higher.

“What is most worrying is that most of them are studying at senior high schools and universities,” the priest added.

“The only thing which can counteract this curse is strong faith. With strong faith, people can save themselves from sinful things,” he continued.

Drugs abuse, said the moderator of the archdiocese’s Catholic Youths, is a challenge which should be tackled by society as a whole in order to save the nation’s next generation.

He vowed his commission will continue providing youths with formation programs including spiritual camps.

“An education in Christianity and good values is needed to help prevent Catholic youths from such negative and sinful things,” he said.

Governor Fransiskus Lebu Raya said one of the reasons for the rise in drug abuse is that dealers from neighboring West Nusa Tenggara and Bali are targeting his province.

“We hope parents and Religious and civic leaders will play a more significant role in anticipating and minimizing the spread of drugs … by providing youths with adequate formation programs,” he said.

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