Golkar urges reviewing licenses of alcohol manufacturers

Golkar urges reviewing licenses of alcohol manufacturers

JAKARTA (JP): The ruling political organization Golkar is
urging the government to review the licensing procedures for
manufacturers of alcoholic beverages amid signs that there is a
strong correlation between their sales and criminal activity.

Golkar Chairman Harmoko said the Ministry of Health, which
oversees beverage manufacturers, should impose a limit on the
maximum alcoholic content allowable, one that is as low as
possible, the Antara news agency reported yesterday.

The government should clamp down on these manufacturers, he
said during a meeting with Golkar leaders in Padang, West Sumatra
on Thursday. "Close them down if necessary."

Such an action, he added, meets with Golkar's program to
strengthen the nation's socio-cultural resiliency.

His appeal came following a massive crackdown involving both
the police and military against illegal sales of alcoholic
drinks.

Hundreds of thousands of bottles were confiscated and
destroyed during operations conducted simultaneously in major
cities in Indonesia throughout the past month.

The operation against illegal liquor sales was launched as
part of the government's war against criminals.

Harmoko said Indonesia should move to protect its young
generation from the excesses of alcoholic drinks. "Many crimes
and violence that we've witnessed had their origins in hard
liquor consumption," he said.

"What would become of this nation if its young generation
becomes degenerated?" he asked. "We must take preventive steps as
early as possible."

Harmoko, who is also the Minister of Information, visited
Padang as part of a familiarization trip following his election
to the top Golkar post last October. (emb)