Alcoholic drinks (2)

Alcoholic drinks (2)

From Media Indonesia

I could hardly believe it when I read that the regional ruling on alcoholic drinks was legally approved by Jakarta Municipality (DKI) legislators on Sept. 4, 1996. This would imply that fees paid on alcoholic drinks makes it virtually permissible for alcoholic beverages to be sold in the Jakarta region.

To a layman like me, the regional ruling would only spell disaster for most of the public. The ruling is of use to a few people only. Legalization of the regional ruling amounts to legalizing the sale of alcoholic drinks. It does not ban it. It would mean that such drinks may be consumed by people who can afford them. This includes the younger generation, the most vulnerable group and target of beer and wine producers.

This also means there will be no foreseeable change in terms of the availability of alcoholic drinks. It will be as easily available as soft drinks in road stalls, even in non-alcoholic vicinities around mosques, religious schools and other schools and campuses. Producers and sellers of alcoholic beverages need not worry about raids, as long as they have paid their dues and adhere to other rulings of the regional bill.

It was more amazing to discover that, when the new ruling was approved by the Jakarta legislators, a similar ruling had been banned in Bali. It would appear that the regional administration and the legislators of Bali are more concerned about the dangers of alcoholic drinks than their counterparts in the capital.

On account of the new ruling for alcoholic drinks, I would like to suggest that members of the House of Representatives in Jakarta would review the respective regulation. Many factors have brought to light that crimes and violence in Jakarta were committed under the influence of alcoholic drinks.

Income for the DKI Jakarta administration could be easily derived from other resources, which would have no negative impact on morals and public health.

SATRIA HADI

Jakarta