Ratu Meli Saubulinayau, the chairman of the Lau Provincial Council, has raised significant concerns regarding the widespread practice of disowning or banishing individuals involved in drug-related activities. He believes that these measures largely displace the problem rather than offer a genuine solution. While some villages have chosen to expel those caught in the throes of addiction, Ratu Meli emphasizes that this approach fails to address the deeper issues at the core of substance abuse.
“From my end, that is not the solution,” Ratu Meli expressed, arguing that distancing oneself from a person struggling with addiction merely shifts the problem to a different community. He advocates for a more holistic response, underscoring the need for treatment, empathy, and support instead of exclusion.
Ratu Meli highlights that many individuals resort to drugs due to a lack of emotional support and care from their families and communities. He noted a troubling trend where communities become preoccupied with financial gains and materialism, which can lead to the neglect of critical familial relationships and responsibilities.
“This is why people are being chased out without the problem actually being solved,” he commented. He called upon communities to adopt a more compassionate and constructive approach, focusing on assistance and rehabilitation to effectively address the cycle of drug abuse. Ratu Meli’s message serves as a powerful reminder that fostering supportive environments can significantly improve outcomes for those fighting addiction, paving the way toward a healthier and more inclusive society.