Indonesia
In 1999, I visited my aunt and uncle in Indonesia where they were working as linguists on the Island of Borneo. I was there for two weeks, and made friends with a young man named Yohanes who was in my Uncle's english class. He introduced me to his friends, we rode around the city on motorcycles. Near the end of my stay, we took a 3 day trip to the island of Bali, traveling by airplane, car and ferry. Yohanes' charisma and good english made him a great tour guide and friend. We have kept in touch over the past few years.
Today I received this message from him, revealing some of his past that I was not aware of, and exposing the seriousness of the crystal meth problem in Indonesia.
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Hello Chad!
I read your article about 'crystal meth', in Indonesia we called it 'shabu-shabu'. Suddenly I remember 10 years ago, in 1996 (before u came to Indonesia). I was a drugs smuggler and #1 drugs seller in my city, in that time we have no crystal meth, but we have 'ectassy pills', not expensive I sold it only $10 per pill. We drink it before dance in the discotic (to make our head 'turn left-turn right' without control, u knew it)
1997, almost all my friends in my group busted by the police, my name also in their black list, because I was the distributor of the 'damn-pills. You remember, I worked at the post office, it was very easy to smuggle the damn pills.
Why my friends busted? why I didnt? It depends from OURSELF, not the others!
I committed to stop earlier than my friends, in other side I knew that I can use my life for other usefull things. in spiritual side, God helps me, yes HE did! God always help you if you give your life in HIS rules. Where is God? He is in your heart!
Believe me, If I didnt commit to stop earlier than my friends, maybe I have sent to jail and I never went to Bali with you, Chad.
Crystal meth launched in Indonesia at 1999, imported from China and only limited community could buy it. The price was very xpensive for Indonesian people,bout $50-$100 /gram, but now you can buy it only $10-$30/gram depends on the quality. Why it can be cheap? There are so many 'black factory' of the Crystal meth in Indonesia. Dont believe? Come here.
Chad, all I know bout crystal meth effects are: Jail or death
What do you waiting for? Take it or leave it? Leave it!
If u stop use it, I am sure you will feel your body not good for a moment, your body must adjust with that condition, push it and push it.
I suggest you to drink 'coconut water' EVERY DAY, until your body feels good. We use it here for traditional teraphy crystal meth addict,trust me it will help to recovery your body. Drink coconut water (green coconut) in 3-6 months.
Last, I have married and have a little daughter, I have a normal life without drugs, I love my life,because life is good.
God bless you, I bet you dont remember me.
Yohanes
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Story Booklet on my 1999 Trip to Bali with Yohanes
Spring 2000, 550 KB PDF
Looking back at this design, I made assumptions about culture and its impact on Yohanes. Now it seems obvious that more was going on in his mind than I had imagined.
Resource: Asia Pacific Amphetamine Info Center
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