I call on the Biak Numfor district government and all related law enforcement agencies to support the implementation of the policy on the liquor ban in Papua
Biak, Papua (ANTARA) - The Papuan provincial government has ordered all district and city administrations to ban sales of alcoholic drinks ahead of the Christmas and New Year's Eve celebrations, and the convening of the 2020 National Games (PON). "I call on the Biak Numfor district government and all related law enforcement agencies to support the implementation of the policy on the liquor ban in Papua," First Assistant of the Papua Provincial Government's Secretary Doren Wakerwa said here Friday.

The Papuan government had effectively banned the production, distribution and sales of alcoholic beverages since 2016 based on the Regional Government's Regulation Number 15/2013.

Every district and city administration needs to support the policy, he told journalists after opening the focus group discussion on law enforcement against the violators of the liquor ban policy.

The regional government's regulation number 15/2013 could protect the Papuan people from the harmful impact of alcohol consumption, such as loss of consciousness, and engaging in acts of domestic violence and crimes, according to Doren Wakerwa.

The consumption of alcoholic beverages among local community members might have contributed to the shortened life expectancy of native Papuans, he said.

Considering the harmful impact of liquor, the native Papuan people are expected to be collectively aware of the dire need to support the liquor ban by supervising the sales of alcoholic beverages at minimarkets and kiosks.

Being aware of the dangers, Chairperson of the Papuan Women's Solidarity (SPP) - Mimika Chapter Ros Namsa Kabes has urged the Mimika district government and local police to enforce legal sanctions against those selling liquor to Papuan children.

Law enforcement was deemed crucial since people in an inebriated state were often found on the roadsides of Timika, the capital city of Mimika District, Kabes stated while speaking in connection with efforts to empower the native Papuan people last August. (INE)
Related news: Feminist calls to enforce law against liquor sellers in Papua

Translator: Muhsidin, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Suharto
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