The Catholic Church in Indonesia is equipping young people to confront drug abuse and HIV stigma through grassroots education, as part of efforts to promote informed and responsible choices.
Around 50 young Catholics from parishes across the Klaten rayon joined a “Talk and Care” session titled “Time to Know, Not Fear” on March 15 at St. Mary Queen Parish Hall in Bayat, according to a report from the Archdiocese of Semarang.
Organized by the Commission for Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation of the Surakarta Vicariate, the program addressed growing health and social risks among youth, particularly substance abuse and misinformation surrounding HIV and AIDS.
The session emphasized knowledge as a key tool in helping young people navigate peer pressure, social influence, and stigma, while encouraging responsible decision-making.
In the first session, psychologist Indra Dwi Purnomo said drug dependency often begins with curiosity or environmental influence, stressing that addiction is a complex health condition rather than a planned outcome.
“No one initially plans to become an addict. Many cases begin with trying, environmental influence, or external pressure,” he said.
He warned that drug use can impair brain function and affect thinking, emotions, and behavior, often leading to cycles that are difficult to break.
To reduce risks, he highlighted the need to strengthen protective factors, including open communication within families, participation in social activities, and the ability to manage stress. Youth engagement in Church-based programs, he said, offers a space for healthy development.
“Live happily and meaningfully, so that we do not seek escape in dangerous drugs,” he told participants.
In a second session, Dr. Ignatia Eva Eveliyn Hendrawan of Dr. Oen Kandang Sapi Hospital in Solo provided an overview of HIV and AIDS, including transmission, symptoms, prevention, and treatment.
She explained that HIV attacks the immune system, leaving individuals more vulnerable to illness, and stressed that accurate information is essential to counter stigma and misconceptions.
“Health is a right for everyone. Have the courage to say no to anything negative,” she said.
Organizers said the initiative forms part of an ongoing education program that will be implemented across other rayons in the Surakarta Vicariate throughout the year.
“This rayon-based activity is being held for the first time in Bayat. Similar activities will be held on June 14 in Wonogiri, September 13 in Karanganyar, and December 13 in Purbayan,” said Adventino Hokito Ariza of the vicariate’s NAPZA and HIV desk.
Beyond raising awareness, the program also sought to address stigma by encouraging young people to distinguish between rejecting harmful behavior and excluding individuals.
