Durian. Indonesian Justice and Human Rights Minister Yasonna Laoly said on Nov.16 in Jakarta that heated public debate on alcohol ban bill is unnecessary as deliberation process had only started and can actually take a long time to complete.
Last week, the House of Representatives’ legislation committee re-started deliberation on the bill which was first proposed in 2015. This bill was initially suggested by several members of the House from Islamic parties, the Justice and Prosperous Party (PKS), the United Development Party (PPP) and the Great Indonesia Movement Party (Gerindra).
This has caused a buzz in Indonesia, with many figures saying the bill can potentially kill tourism industry, especially in Bali.
Laoly said as the House has only begun their deliberation on the bill, any debate in public is essentially not needed.
“This bill is not yet passed by the House, and as of now, it has only been proposed to its legislation committee,” Laoly said, adding that the deliberation on the bill can still potentially end halfway.
Therefore, he encouraged public to refrain from any debates on the bill.
“I don’t think any excessive arguments over this alcohol ban bill among the public is necessary,” the minister stated.
According to the minister, as of now, there had been no discussion about the bill in the government, and that it is currently in a wait-and-see mode for further development in the House. Including the bill in 2021’s national legislation program, or Prolegnas, has not been decided as well.
