Jakarta – Education and Sport Minister Adhyaksa Dault revealed Saturday evening that 15,000 Indonesians die of drug-related illnesses each year.

"That's not even accounting the growth of HIV/AIDS patients; a social tsunami in and of itself, since what we know is only the tip of the iceberg," Dault said, as quoted by kompas.com on Sunday.

He argued that the increasing number of drug abuse and people infected with HIV/AIDS were major issues facing all societal elements.

A concerted effort to quell the two problems is needed, Dault said, adding that cigarette smoking was one of the avenues that eventually lead to drug abuse. "School children are at the greatest risk, so self-preservation and surveillance by parents and family members is needed," he argued.

According to Southeast Sulawesi governor HB Paliudju, 71 HIV/AIDS cases were reported in Southeast Sulawesi in 2008. Most of those who suffered full blown AIDS were dead, he said.

"The number of HIV/AIDS cases in this region continues to increase from year to year, so all members of society need to work hand in hand with the regional administration in alleviating the problem," Paliudju said. (amr)