Jakarta – Mimika regency in Papua banned alcoholic beverage sales on Wednesday in an effort to maintain public order during the simultaneous presidential and legislative elections on April 17.
Mimika Regent Eltinus Omaleng told hundreds of civil servants on Monday that sales would be banned at stores and entertainment spots across the regency.
Mimika Public Order Agency (Satpol PP) head Willem Naa said he expected vendors of alcoholic beverages in the region to comply with the newly passed regulation.
"I hope vendors stop the sales of intoxicating beverages," Willem said as quoted by Antara, adding that the regent's instruction had taken effect on Wednesday.
He went on to say that the ban on alcohol sales was also implemented to respect Easter celebrations, which began with Palm Sunday on April 14 across the regency.
"We don't want alcohol to be a catalyst for bad behavior among the public. We don't want people to see Mimika in a negative light," Willem said.
In addition to the alcohol ban, the administration will also limit the operational hours of nightclubs across the region. (rfa)