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