UT’s Rector Leads Activities to Commemorate International Anti-Narcotics Day

In his commitment to maintaining the quality of the nation's future generations, Prof. Ojat Darojat, M.Bus., Ph.D., the Rector of Universitas Terbuka (UT), plays a significant role as the Vice Chairman of the Central Board of Trustees (DPP) of the Alliance of Volunteer Students against Drug Abuse (ARTIPENA) for the 2022-2025 term. To commemorate the International Day against Drug Abuse (IDADA) in 2023 and to foster camaraderie, DPP ARTIPENA, along with DPW ARTIPENA Jakarta and Banten, organized an event at UT's Head Office.

On Friday, June 23, 2023, the DPP ARTIPENA team, led by Prof. Dr. H. Sutarto Hadi, M.Si., M.Sc., visited UT's Head Office located in Pondok Cabe, South Tangerang. The event was held to reflect on the 7-year journey of ARTIPENA and Interactive Dialogues. The theme for the IDADA 2023 was "Towards a Radiant Campus" (Drug-Free Campus). The aim of this event was to socialize the Prevention, Eradication, Abuse, and Illicit Trafficking of Drugs (P4GN) program to all academic communities in accordance with Law No. 35 of 2009 concerning Narcotics.

The event was attended by 46 officials from the DPP ARTIPENA for the 2022-2025 term, including Prof. Dr. Sutarto Hadi, M.Si, MSc (Chairman), who welcomed all DPP officials to UT's Head Office. Prof. Dr. Sutarto Hadi stated, "ARTIPENA exists because of our concern together to combat drug abuse within our academic community. Starting as voluntary volunteers, we have now reached 21 DPW offices."

Through a video message, Prof. Ir. Nizam, M.Sc., DIC., Ph.D. - Acting Director-General of Higher Education, Research, and Technology (Dirjen Diktiristek), also expressed his support, stating, "We need to continually promote the spirit of anti-drug abuse. May our efforts enhance the resilience of higher education institutions against drug abuse and other harmful substances." Prof. Nizam hoped that ARTIPENA would have a mission to prevent drug trafficking on campuses. "This is to ensure that the future generation of our nation remains free from drug abuse," emphasized Prof. Nizam.

Prof. Ojat Darojat, M.Bus., Ph.D., the UT Rector, also reaffirmed UT's commitment to maintaining a drug-free campus. "UT fully supports this initiative, strengthening our commitment to keeping our campus free from drugs."

Under the leadership of Prof. Dr. H. Sutarto Hadi, M.Si., M.Sc., the DPP ARTIPENA for the 2022-2025 term focuses on implementing the Prevention, Eradication, Abuse, and Illicit Trafficking of Drugs (P4GN) program within the campus environment. Considering that by 2030, Indonesia will experience a demographic bonus, ARTIPENA is committed to preparing human resources with strong potential, qualifications, and character.

In line with ARTIPENA's efforts, a Student Task Force (Satgas Mahasiswa) has also been formed, with Alfiansah Jauhari, a UT student, chosen as the Chairman of ARTIPENA's Student Task Force (Satma ARTIPENA). Alfiansah Jauhari is also a member of UT's Board of Trustees (Majelis Wali Amanat), who is ready to support the programs of DPP ARTIPENA and the Student Movement of ARTIPENA (GEMA).

Collaboration between ARTIPENA and various governmental entities such as Kemendikbudristek, BNN, law enforcement agencies, security forces, and the wider community is crucial in combating the dangers and abuse of drugs, which pose real threats. UT is actively involved in the fight against drug abuse within the educational environment by engaging the entire academic community in higher education.

With a shared determination and strong collaboration among universities, the government, and society, a safe, healthy, and drug-free educational environment is hoped to be established. UT and ARTIPENA continue to play an active role in educating and preventing drug abuse among students and the academic community, with the ultimate goal of creating a shining campus free from drugs.