Teluk Gelam, South Sumatra – President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has turned to an unlikely source to help the nation deal with a number of its serious problems, including terrorism – the Indonesian version of the Boy Scouts and Girl Guides.

With his personal approval ratings at an all-time low as his alleged fight against corruption continues to falter, Yudhoyono asked Pramuka to revitalize activities aimed at building the nation's character, and combat radicalization and drug abuse among youth.

"Reinforce the role of the Scouts' movement as part of the national education system, make the scouts movement as a protective element for the youths from terrorist radicalism and drug abuse," President Yudhoyono said as he opened the scouts' national jamboree in South Sumatra on Saturday.

Established in 1961, Pramuka – an acronym for the Sanskrit words praja muda karana, which translates into young people who are willing to work – is the Indonesian version of Boy Scouts of America and Girl Scouts of the United States.

Pramuka executive board chairman Azrul Azwar claimed 22 there were 22 million members throughout Indonesia, comprising 317,091 individual groups. The Jamboree involves about 25,000 participants, including 100 foreign guests. (Antara/JG)