Alcohol: Give it a chance

Alcohol: Give it a chance

From Suara Karya

The Jakarta Decree No.8/1996 concerning the regulation of
distribution of alcoholic drinks in Jakarta has provoked
reactions from religious leaders, social-political organizations
and others. Some propose that the Home Minister should revoke the
decree.

However, we should give this matter a fair consideration as
the issue has both social and political aspects. To cancel the
local government's regulation even before it is put into effect
may be good and positive as far as social interest is concerned.
But any cancellation would also put the government and the
legislators credibility at stake. It is a matter of face saving
for the governor and the legislative body, who have worked
laboriously and spent a lot of time, energy and (possibly)
funding to produce the regulation.

In my opinion we should let the regulation operate for a year.
Then we should reevaluate its merits and disadvantages. If
necessary the regulation can then be withdrawn. Moreover, the
regulation is meant to be applicable in Jakarta area only. This
gives the other provinces ample time to accommodate the people's
aspirations before they consider issuing same kind of decree on
alcoholic beverages.

M. FUAD NASAR

Golkar Executive Board

Jakarta