MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM - North Sumatra Deputy Governor Surya has called on the younger generation to develop integrity, honesty and the determination to achieve their goals as future leaders. He said strong character can serve as an important shield for young people against the dangers of drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking.
Surya delivered the message on Friday, August 7, 2026, during an interactive dialogue on the Prevention, Eradication, Abuse and Illicit Trafficking of Drugs (P4GN), attended by hundreds of high school students and leaders of student organizations at the Amir Hamzah Hall of the North Sumatra Education Office.
On the occasion, Surya conveyed a message from North Sumatra Governor Bobby Nasution. He emphasized that the dialogue forum was not merely a platform for exchanging ideas, but also an important opportunity to strengthen the shared commitment of all elements of society in combating drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking.
"Drug abuse has become a problem that knows no age group, profession or social background. Its main victims are young people who should actually be preparing themselves for their roles as future leaders," Surya said.
Young Generation Faces the Threat of Drug Trafficking
Surya said North Sumatra faces major challenges in preventing and combating drug trafficking. The province's position as one of the gateways to international trade in western Indonesia makes the region vulnerable to various types of drugs being smuggled through trade routes and the movement of people.
Therefore, Surya stressed the importance of involving various segments of society in building a strong prevention system. The government, educational institutions, youth organizations, students, families and society as a whole must all contribute to educating the younger generation about the negative impacts of drugs.
In his view, prevention cannot rely solely on legal action against individuals involved in drug trafficking. The younger generation must also be supported through character development and quality education, while being provided with spaces where they can develop their abilities and creativity.
Surya then quoted a statement by Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Djamari Chaniago regarding the situation in Iran. Through the statement, he sought to highlight the importance of having a qualified young generation that does not become entangled in various social problems.
"I would like to convey a statement from Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Djamari Chaniago about how Iran was able to withstand the impact of an economic embargo for more than 40 years. This was because its young people were not involved in drugs, brawls or other forms of misconduct. They were busy acquiring knowledge," Surya explained.
Surya said the younger generation must make the most of their productive years to strengthen their individual abilities. Education and expanding knowledge, he said, are important pathways to preparing young people to face future challenges.
He also reminded the students and university students not to give drugs any place in their lives. In his view,
drug abuse not only threatens health and personal futures, but can also hinder the emergence of a qualified generation of future leaders.
STAY AWAY FROM DRUGS: North Sumatra Deputy Governor Surya reminds the younger generation to strengthen their integrity, uphold honesty and build their future through knowledge in order to avoid drug abuse. (PHOTO: Imam Syahputra)
Integrity as the Foundation of Future Leaders
In addition to warning about the dangers of drugs, Surya urged the younger generation to begin preparing for their future roles as leaders while they are still in school and university. Leadership, he said, requires not only academic ability but also strong character and integrity.
Surya explained that integrity is reflected in simple behaviors in everyday life. Honesty, consistency between words and actions, and the ability to stand firm in one's principles are important elements in developing the character of a leader.
He also warned young people against being resentful or envious. A leader must be able to exercise self-control, respect others and place the broader public interest above personal interests.
The message carries added significance because the young people attending the dialogue belong to the generation that will eventually help determine the direction of North Sumatra's development. They are not merely recipients of messages about
drug prevention, but also have an important role in raising awareness about the issue within their respective communities.
Surya hopes students and university students can become agents of change in society. They can start by maintaining a healthy social environment, improving their achievements, broadening their horizons and having the courage to reject every form of drug abuse.
In his view, educational institutions must serve as safe spaces for young people to learn and develop their abilities. In a healthy environment, young people have greater opportunities to channel their energy and potential into positive activities.
RAISING AWARENESS OF THE DANGERS OF DRUGS: Chairman of Badko HMI North Sumatra Muhammad Yusril Mahendra emphasizes that education about the dangers of drugs is important to preserve the younger generation's hopes of becoming future leaders. (PHOTO: Imam Syahputra)
Students Support Strengthening of P4GN Program
Meanwhile, Chairman of Badko HMI North Sumatra Muhammad Yusril Mahendra, representing the Cipayung Plus student organizations, appreciated the participation of North Sumatra Deputy Governor Surya and member of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) Sugiat Santoso in the event.
Yusril said the dialogue on the dangers of drugs was particularly important for the younger generation. In his view, knowledge about the effects of
drug abuse must be continuously strengthened so that young people develop the awareness needed to protect themselves and those around them from the dangers of drugs.
He said events of this kind can also serve as a forum for university students, high school students and other young people to strengthen their commitment to protecting their future. The younger generation must have the courage to say no to drugs because their effects can destroy personal lives while also jeopardizing future plans.
"For us young people, activities like this are important to maintain hope for a future in which we can become the leaders of the next era. Therefore, we also want to remind students never to get involved with drugs. Their effects can destroy ourselves and our future," he said in closing.
The interactive P4GN dialogue also served as a forum bringing together the government, students, university students and youth organizations to build a shared awareness of the dangers of drugs. Cooperation among different segments of society is crucial because drug trafficking can reach people from various backgrounds, regardless of age or social status.
The North Sumatra Provincial Government is encouraging the younger generation to shape their future through education, knowledge, positive activities and stronger character. At the same time, university and high school students have a responsibility to maintain a healthy social environment and have the courage to reject every form of
drug abuse.
The central message of the dialogue can therefore be summed up in one point: the future of North Sumatra depends greatly on the quality of its younger generation. Developing a strong and principled character, along with a firm commitment among young people to stay away from drugs, is therefore an essential part of preparing future leaders. (IDNC)
REPORTER:
Ahmad Zulfikar | EDITOR:
Fik Sagala