PA 212 Threatens Massive Demonstrations To Reject The Presidential Decree On Alcohol Investment

Demonstration or Demo / VOI

JAKARTA - The 212 Alumni Brotherhood (PA 212) plans to hold a large-scale demonstration as a form of rejection of Presidential Regulation (Perpres) Number 10 of 2021 concerning licenses to open liquor (alcohol) investments.

Deputy Secretary General PA 212 Novel Bamukmin confirmed the demonstration. However, until now he has not confirmed the timing of the demonstration.

"It is true, and until now we are still in discussion", Novel told VOI, Tuesday, March 2.

Likewise, PA 212 Chairperson Slamet Ma'arif also agreed with the plan to hold a large-scale demonstration against the Perpres. But that is not the first step taken. Because, PA 212 will prioritize auditions.

"We will have an audience with the DPR (Parliament) and the government first. If the government continues to insist on investing and legalizing alcohol in the territory of the Republic of Indonesia and the DPR is also in tune with the government, I will invite Muslims, especially Alumni 212 to go back to the streets on a large scale to save the nation's children and NKRI", he explained.

Slamet explained the reasons behind Pepres's refusal. Some of them are about any religion that does not allow drinking. Then, liquor is a trigger for criminal acts.

"The reason has been proven that alcohol is damaging to the nation's children, and is one of the root causes of crime in this country. Moreover, Indonesia is a godly country. And no religious god allows people to consume alcohol", he said.

For that reason it is believed that the Pepres has been conflicted. In addition, it is considered only bad for the future.

"So the investment and legalization of alcohol are clearly against Pancasila and the belief of the majority of the Indonesian population", he said.