The stabbing incident by several youths suspected to be intoxicated in Prawirotaman, Yogyakarta City, on Wednesday (Oct. 30) was responded to by Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY) Governor Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X through the DIY Governor’s Instruction Number 5 of 2024.
This instruction regulates the inventory, supervision, and distribution of alcoholic beverages in Yogyakarta.
In response to this regulation on alcohol supervision, UGM Sociologist Derajad Sulistyo Widhyharto praised the initiative, as the issue of alcohol distribution has not been adequately monitored so far.
Yogyakarta, as a student city and tourist destination, has a high level of population mobility.
“The issue of alcohol here isn’t just about buying and selling; most of the population in Yogyakarta is not native, so goods can come from anywhere,” Widhyharto explained.
The DIY Governor’s Instruction, which was released shortly after the stabbing incident, was seen as a timely response.
However, Widhyharto believes the government should have anticipated alcohol control measures earlier.
The alcohol industry has long operated underground and remains difficult for the government to control. While the regulation is relevant for the formal sector, it is the informal distribution of alcohol that needs special supervision.
“It’s good, although the response is a bit late. So far, no special body has been assigned to monitor alcohol sales. This instruction only regulates the formal sector,” Widhyharto said.
According to Widhyharto, the informal sector plays a significant role in driving the alcohol industry. He used the iceberg phenomenon as a metaphor, where the visible alcohol industry is only the tip, while much of the buying and selling happens uncontrollably.
Moreover, the alcohol industry plays a crucial role in Yogyakarta’s economy, particularly in tourism, which is believed to be largely supported by this sector.
Widhyharto added that the lack of oversight of the alcohol industry makes it impossible to trace the flow of money. Recently, the Yogyakarta Police found that more than 90% of outlets were selling illegal alcohol and had been closed en masse.
“It’s an underground economy, so it’s hard to monitor. Aside from its distribution, the product itself needs to be supervised. Maybe officially distributed products can be tracked, but what about counterfeit ones?” Widhyharto pointed out.
He further explained that to tackle this issue, the government needs to understand the alcohol industry’s operations.
Rather than restricting distribution, alcohol sales could be regulated to be more centralized. Widhyharto emphasized that centralized alcohol sales would make it easier for the government to oversee the industry, including enforcing existing regulations.
“My suggestion is to legalize it but make the sales centralized. Then, we will know who the sellers and the buyers are and where the money goes. That would be clear,” he said.
The Governor’s Instruction Number 5 of 2024 on Optimizing the Control and Security of Alcoholic Beverages regulates the inventory of alcohol distribution, optimizes the role of regional governments, and prohibits online and delivery sales.
However, the regulation does not specify which parties are responsible for overseeing alcohol specifically, making it difficult to implement.
According to Widhyharto, oversight should be carried out by two parties. First, the community, particularly those with expertise in identifying the types of alcohol being distributed, should be involved on an ad hoc basis.
Many cases of alcohol being self-made by certain individuals and sold freely have been reported. The community would likely be more familiar with and aware of the distribution of these products.
Second, an agency capable of continuous and layered supervision must be established, covering everything from product types to the economic circulation of alcohol.
“It also needs to be supervised from the product side. When we talk about wine (or alcohol), there are various alcohol contents. Many experts and hotel sector elements probably know better. They should also be involved,” Widhyharto concluded.
Author: Tasya
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Afifudin Baliya
Photo: Freepik and Radarjogja