Andrew Tito, Jakarta – The Jakarta Public Order Agency or Satpol PP has deployed 1,900 personnel to launch a crackdown against illegal distribution of alcoholic beverages ahead of the Ramadan season.

Indonesia, the world's largest Muslim-majority country, will soon observe the fasting month. Alcohol consumption is forbidden in Islam. Jakarta Satpol PP's chief Satriadi Gunawan said that the crackdown on alcoholic drinks had begun in mid-February, and would intensify throughout the holy month. They had also teamed up with the Indonesian military and police force. The raids will focus on businesses and mom-and-pop stores selling alcoholic drinks without permits.

"We will conduct the raids starting today," Satriadi said on Monday. "We will have 1,900 people day and night. They will patrol the areas regularly," he said.

The government will also revoke permits of the stores that have violated the existing regulations.

Indonesia has already integrated the liquor sales permits into the online single submission system, a government-run digital platform meant to help cut bureaucratic red tape for businesses. Any violations will start with permit cancellation before any enforcement action by the Satpol PP, according to Satriadi.

The agency also urged people to refrain from the so-called "sahur on the road" activities. This is where people gather to have their pre-dawn meals together in a public space. Such activities are prone to causing disturbances ranging from vehicle convoys to noise and potential clashes between groups.

Satpol PP is also still waiting for the official policy regarding the operations of nightlife venues during Ramadan. The Jakarta tourism agency is set to issue a circular governing operating hour restrictions and temporary closures.

Source: https://jakartaglobe.id/news/1900-personnel-to-go-on-alcohol-raids-in-jakarta-as-ramadan-near