South Jakarta Civil Police Seize Illegal Spirits Disguised as Traditional Medicine in Kebayoran Lama

Jakarta (ANTARA) – The Civil Police Unit (Satpol PP) of Kebayoran Lama District in South Jakarta has taken enforcement action against illegal or unlicensed alcoholic beverages disguised as traditional herbal medicine during the holy month of Ramadhan.

“The alcoholic beverages were sold retail by three perpetrators operating under the guise of small shops and traditional medicine vendors,” stated Dian Citra, Head of the Kebayoran Lama District Civil Police Unit, in Jakarta on Thursday.

Dian noted that a total of 165 bottles of illegal spirits were sold retail by traders operating under the facade of small shops and traditional medicine vendors. Surveillance was conducted at three locations: along Kebayoran Lama Raya Street, Dukuh Street, and Ciputat Raya Street.

From the operation, officers seized 84 bottles of illegal spirits from a shop on Kebayoran Lama Raya Street, 15 bottles from a shop on Dukuh Street, and 66 bottles from a shop on Ciputat Raya Street.

In addition to seizing the contraband, the Civil Police Unit also issued warnings and written sanctions to the perpetrators. The traders involved were also documented through inspection reports for further enforcement proceedings.

Dian added that this enforcement activity is part of efforts to enforce Jakarta’s Regional Regulation (Perda) No. 8 of 2007 on Public Order. Additionally, the operation was also conducted to anticipate the circulation of illegal spirits during Ramadhan.

“Our objective is not only to enforce order but also to provide a deterrent effect to traders so they do not sell illegal spirits, particularly during the month of Ramadhan,” she said.

To that end, the unit is calling on the public to play an active role in monitoring their respective neighbourhoods. Residents are urged to immediately report to local authorities or the government if they discover illegal spirit sales.

“Our team regularly conducts surveillance and issues warnings. However, violations often occur, so we must take firm action in the form of seizures and the imposition of sanctions,” she said.