Disapproval of the liquor ruling
Disapproval of the liquor ruling
From Neraca
The pros and cons regarding the distribution of liquor issued by the Jakarta administration are spreading like wildfire. As I see it, the situation is quite worrying. Even if the ruling has not been officially issued, it still is a source of concern because the House of Representatives has approved it.
The government's decision to restrict liquor distribution to certain wine dealers only is not a wise move. The ruling, can indirectly be interpreted as a legal authorization of the sale of wine and spirits.
Liquor cannot be regarded as a common commodity controlled by economic laws. The availability of liquor at only certain dealers would make it a rare and expensive product. It does not mean, however, that demand for strong drinks is going to dwindle.
At the same time, a permissive trend is reigning among members of the younger generation, who entertain the belief that drinking alcohol is not fatal. The government should give this its consideration.
Being Moslem, I have become increasingly concerned. The House of Representatives does not seem to be able to express the interest of the public majority, particularly the interest of the Moslems in this country. I am certain that most of the people are very concerned about the widespread dangers of liquor, as it is one of the causes of increased crime in cities at the moment.
Perhaps we have to start analyzing the results of the survey done by Republika in relation to spirits and other alcoholic drinks. A large number of respondents, 184 persons (61.3 percent), were of the opinion that the ruling is more inclined toward the sale of liquor, while 150 respondents (50 percent) are of the opinion that the regulation is covering a larger motive, namely to increase the income of the region through the sale of spirits.
On account of the survey results, I feel that the home minister should avail himself to a discussion concerning the rules for liquor distribution with several groups of society. After all, the liquor issue is not solely the responsibility of the Ministry of Home Affairs.
NANA S.
Jakarta