Trapped by Putau: The IDUs in Boncos, Jakarta

Boncos, located in Tanah Abang, Central Jakarta, is home to around 300 injecting drug users (IDUs) who consume putau daily. Putau is a low-quality form of heroin mixed with other substances to maximize dealer profits. It can be consumed through injection or vaporization, though most IDUs in Jakarta prefer injection due to its faster effect.

According to AIDS INA, drug use is driven by recreation, peer pressure, or escape from harsh realities. In Boncos, the last two are the main factors, and most users are long-term addicts dependent on drugs.

Interviews with a local community leader reveal that some cheap rental homes in Boncos are occupied by IDU resellers—users from outside the area who also sell putau. These resellers rent out rooms by the hour to other IDUs who come solely to use drugs. Visitors typically buy putau and syringes from these resellers, and may even ask them to administer the injection.

While there are some IDUs who are local residents, they usually use drugs privately in their homes. The number of local users is much smaller compared to outsiders. Unfortunately, this situation has led to a negative public perception that labels all Boncos residents as drug users, which is not the case.