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)