Balikpapan – The 2026 Institute Introduction and Student Ethics Program (SPIn-ETAM) at Institut Teknologi Kalimantan (ITK) continued with its second session, focusing on drug abuse prevention. The session was delivered by Alfin Agung Nugroho from the National Narcotics Agency (BNN) of Balikpapan City, aiming to equip new students with a comprehensive understanding of the dangers of narcotics while fostering awareness of the importance of maintaining a healthy, drug-free lifestyle throughout their academic journey.

During the session, the speaker emphasized that the decisions students make from the very beginning of their university life will greatly influence their future. Therefore, freshmen were encouraged to make wise choices in selecting their social circles and to stay away from all forms of drug abuse.

Participants were introduced to the concept of drugs (NARKOBA), which includes narcotics, psychotropic substances, and other addictive substances, along with their characteristics and effects on human health. The presentation explained that drug abuse not only harms physical health but also affects brain function, mental well-being, and an individual's ability to make sound decisions.

The speaker also explained the three main categories of narcotics based on their effects on the body: stimulants, depressants, and hallucinogens. Each category produces different effects, ranging from overstimulating the nervous system and slowing brain function to causing hallucinations and altered perceptions that can endanger both the user and those around them.

In addition, freshmen learned about the direct and indirect consequences of drug abuse. These include damage to vital organs, mental health disorders, increased risk of infectious diseases, criminal behavior, and even death. From a social perspective, drug abuse can also lead to financial problems, loss of educational opportunities, broken family relationships, diminished trust from others, and weakened moral and spiritual values.

The session also highlighted the legal consequences for individuals involved in drug abuse or trafficking under Law No. 35 of 2009 on Narcotics. Students were reminded that actions such as possessing, storing, distributing, or selling narcotics carry severe criminal penalties. At the same time, victims of drug abuse were encouraged to undergo rehabilitation in accordance with the applicable regulations.

One of the topics that received particular attention was peer pressure. The speaker explained that many cases of drug abuse begin with invitations from friends, the desire to fit into a social group, and the reduced supervision experienced by students living independently away from their families. Freshmen were encouraged to recognize different forms of social pressure so they could make responsible and informed decisions.

To prepare students for these situations, participants were introduced to practical self-protection skills, including confidently refusing offers through the "3-Second Refusal Formula," making sound decisions in high-risk situations, managing stress through healthy coping mechanisms, choosing positive social circles, and seeking help whenever necessary. Students also learned exit strategies for safely leaving potentially dangerous situations without escalating conflict.

At the end of the session, the speaker explained Indonesia's Mandatory Reporting (Wajib Lapor) mechanism for individuals with drug dependency, as well as the Mandatory Reporting Recipient Institutions (IPWL) that provide rehabilitation services, including facilities available in Balikpapan. This information is expected to reduce the stigma surrounding rehabilitation while encouraging individuals to seek appropriate treatment when facing drug-related problems.

Through this second session of SPIn-ETAM 2026, Institut Teknologi Kalimantan hopes to cultivate a generation of students who are resilient, possess strong integrity, and have the courage to say "No" to drugs. This knowledge is expected to serve as a foundation for creating a healthy, safe, and productive campus environment where students can fully develop their academic and non-academic potential.