Haeril Halim, Jakarta – The war on drugs was one of the focal points of President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo's state of the nation address on Wednesday.

Jokowi reiterated his commitment despite the recent criticism he has received after it was revealed that law enforcement officers had shot dead a total of 60 alleged drug dealers they argued had been resisting arrest.

"We stand firm in our war against drug dealers. Narcotics are destroying our youth. Jokowi said.

According to data from Amnesty International, at least 60 suspected drug dealers were killed by the police and the National Narcotics Agency (BNN) between January and August, a sharp increase from 18, last year.

In July, Jokowi ordered law enforcers "to be firm and merciless, especially with foreign drug dealers who enter the country" and to shoot them if they resisted arrest. Around 10 drug dealers have been shot dead onsite after Jokowi made the order.

Last year, the international community also lambasted Jokowi after Indonesia executed four drug dealers, most of them foreigners. Authorities have sent 18 drug dealers before firing squad since 2015.

Jokowi said he would also remain firm in his decisions to protect the country's sovereignty. "We also have to be brave to fight against illegal fishing to protect our natural resources and fishermen. We have shown we are brave by dissolving Petral," Jokowi said referring to the now-defunct oil and gas trading company Pertamina Energy Trading. (bbn)

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2017/08/16/jokowi-maintains-merciless-stance-on-drug-dealers.html