The debate over alcohol<\/p>\n
The government, in a special coordinating meeting on political
\naffairs and security, has decided to reevaluate the provincial
\nregulations on alcoholic beverages that are, at present, being
\ndrafted in a number of regions. This decision, involving
\nregulations which are now being prepared in 15 provinces and are
\ndesigned to limit and control the sale of alcoholic beverages,
\ncan only be welcomed.<\/p>\n
For several weeks, protests have been aired by ulemas (Moslem
\nreligious leaders) and Moslem students in a number of provinces.
\nThey have demanded a withdrawal of the draft regulations, which
\nin several provinces, were ready for discussion in the local
\nlegislatures.<\/p>\n
Alcoholic beverages appear to have become a dilemma. On the
\none hand, we want to protect our domestic industries. On the
\nother hand, Moslems -- for whom the beverages are haram
\n(prohibited) -- make up the majority of our population.<\/p>\n
KH Hasan Basri, the chairman of the Council of Indonesian
\nUlemas, has personally asked the government to first prohibit
\nalcoholic beverages and than regulate their sale in cases where
\nexceptions must be made.<\/p>\n
Although this particular fatwa (ruling) has as yet not
\nreceived a response, the government's decision to reevaluate the
\nexisting draft regulations will at least open the door for
\neveryone concerned to review the demerits and usefulness of
\nalcoholic beverages as a domestic industrial product, as well as
\na tourist need in the present stage of development.<\/p>\n
-- Bisnis Indonesia, Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/the-debate-over-alcohol-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }