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 If necessary the regulation can then be withdrawn.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