Liquor, a doctor's concern

Liquor, a doctor's concern

From Republika

I am greatly concerned over the fact that our way of life has allowed beer to be closely linked with part of our community's activities. Beer is packed and introduced to the community in various forms, names and manners. The impact of drinking beer on the community is very obvious. Some recent tragic events may serve as good examples in this respect.

Although the disadvantages of drinking beer are universally known, I wish to take this opportunity to remind those of the same religious creed as I am, that beer is now easily available almost anywhere: from supermarkets to small stalls close to centers of religious activities. I feel sad to see that many of those distributing, promoting, selling and drinking beer are Moslems. In the meantime, I have not heard of the Indonesian Council of Ulemas (MUI), Muhammadiyah, NU and others involving themselves intensively in efforts to eradicate beer.

Therefore, allow me to call on all Moslems who happen to be linked with the beer business -- beer makers, distributors, sellers, retailers at small stalls in villages, street sellers and the mass media -- to stop this business.

DR. UU TAUFIK

Ciamis, West Java