A look at community-based harm reduction in Indonesia

George started using drugs more than 10 years ago. At the time he lived in Jakarta, Indonesia, and worked as a driver for an international company. About one third of people who inject drugs globally live in the Asia and the Pacific region. Credit: UNAIDS/UNODC/Edward Wray

As George’s dependence on drugs became severe, he lost his job and could no longer provide for his wife and young children. “All I could think about was where I would get my next hit. I lied. I stole. I hated myself,” recalled George. Credit: UNAIDS/UNODC/Edward Wray

One day George heard about a novel programme based in a large house in Bogor, Indonesia. Rumah Singgah PEKA is a community-based harm reduction programme that aims to empower people who use drugs to take back control of their lives. Credit: UNAIDS/UNODC/Edward Wray

Sam Nugraha is the Executive Director of Rumah Singgah PEKA, which he founded in 2010. He said, “Rumah Singgah PEKA is different from other treatment centres, because it is fully voluntary. Every client has made their own decision to participate.” Credit: UNAIDS/UNODC/Edward Wray

Most of the staff at Rumah Singgah PEKA have experience with drug dependence. The facility provides a range of services, including group and individual counselling. Credit: UNAIDS/UNODC/Edward Wray

The organization works with public health facilities to help clients access key services. Deni Subhan, Programme Manager at PEKA, often accompanies clients to get their daily dose of methadone. Credit: UNAIDS/UNODC/Edward Wray

Siti Nurfaiza, Programme Manager at Gedung Badak Health Clinic, finds the collaboration with PEKA good. She said, “Methadone is very helpful for the heroin user, since it helps people with drug dependence to maintain their physical, psychological and social activities.” Credit: UNAIDS/UNODC/Edward Wray

Deni Subhan picks up a five-day supply of methadone for clients, who can then access their daily dose at PEKA, which has much more flexible hours than public health facilities. Credit: UNAIDS/UNODC/Edward Wray

George has gradually decreased his methadone dose. He now works for PEKA and is once again able to provide for his family. Credit: UNAIDS/UNODC/Edward Wray

George said, “All of us are entrusted to make our own decisions. If we wish to make a good decision, the community is here to help.” Credit: UNAIDS/UNODC/Edward Wray

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