Surabaya - The Surabaya Class I Railway Technical Centre held a socialization on the prevention, eradication, abuse, and distribution of narcotics (P4GN) and disaster management at the Novotel Samator Hotel in Surabaya on Thursday 14 November 2024. In collaboration with the East Java Provincial Narcotics Agency (BNNP) and the East Java Provincial Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), the event aimed to improve the performance and safety of human resources (HR) at the Surabaya Class I Railway Technical Centre.

Head of BTP Class I Surabaya, Denny Michels Adlan, S.T., M.M., said in his speech that this event was a form of commitment by the Surabaya Class I Railway Engineering Centre as part of the Directorate General of Railways (DJKA) to support the government's efforts in strengthening P4GN efforts in the railway sector.

We are certainly aware that drugs are a real threat to the nation's generation and we all have a responsibility to participate in prevention and eradication efforts. Especially in our immediate environment, which is the work environment,' said Denny.

Denny added that disaster preparedness is no less important for transport workers. He said we need to know how to mitigate disasters and take disaster management measures to cope with them in the best possible way.

I would like to thank all the parties involved in organizing this event. I hope we continue to work together to create a drug-free work environment that is ready and responsive in dealing with disasters,' he hoped.

The event began with a urine test for employees of BTP Class I Surabaya, conducted by the East Java BNNP. This step was taken to ensure that everyone was clean and free from drug use. After the test, the event continued with a P4GN socialization session with Dr. Munawar Kholil, a young doctor from BNNP East Java.

Kholil explained that narcotics are substances or drugs, either natural or synthetic, that can cause dependence and affect cognitive functions such as memory, concentration, perception, emotions and behavior. Narcotics can damage the future of a nation as they can quickly take lives without the user even realizing.

"It should be noted that the 'gateway' to drugs is cigarettes and alcohol, as both are addictive substances. That is why we need to be aware together," said Kholil.

According to him, the primary controller in P4GN efforts is not others, but oneself. It is important to protect yourself from the temptation of drugs, whether it comes from within or from external social influences.

In addition to learning about the importance of preventing and eradicating drug abuse, the participants were also socialized by Suprapto, a data analyst at BPBD East Java, about disaster management. This topic is equally important considering that BTP Class I Surabaya's operational area is in East Java.

"Seven of Indonesia's 127 active volcanoes are located in East Java. Our region is also prone to earthquakes because it is close to a meeting point of tectonic plates, namely the Indo-Australian plate. Most of the coastal areas in East Java are also prone to tsunamis," explained Suprapto.

In addition, the tropical climate causes frequent floods, landslides, extreme weather, droughts, forest fires, rainfall, erosion, and extreme waves in various parts of East Java. Therefore, it is important for the entire community in East Java to be adequately prepared for disaster management.

"Research and surveys in Japan following the 1995 Great Hanshin Earthquake show that personal preparedness was the most significant factor for disaster survivors during the 'golden time'—34.9%. Family support was second at 31.9%, and support from friends or neighbors was third at 28.1%. So, remember, personal safety is the most important," he advised. (NSA)