REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Distributors of liquor mixed with dangerous substances or "miras oplosan" that claimed dozens of people, must face severe punishment, Ahmad Sahroni, a member of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR), stated. The commission III member of the DPR urged the police to award severe punishment on those distributing the "miras oplosan".
"Heavier penalties must be imposed on producers of the "miras oplosan" who distribute it to the public. Several casualties have occurred since some people have just sought personal gains," Sahroni said here on Thursday.
According to Sahroni, regular raids should be conducted to seize illicit liquor and not just when a case occurs.
At least 82 people died recently after consuming alcoholic drinks containing harmful substances in several areas in the provinces of Jakarta and West Java. Sahroni also lauded the police's response in handling cases of adulterated alcoholic drinks.
"(Circulation of alcoholic drinks, or "oplosan" in local terms) across Indonesia must be stopped. The target must be met this month," Syafruddin had noted in South Jakarta on Wednesday while commenting on the planned raids on illicit alcoholic drinks.
According to Syafruddin, the "miras oplosan" case is a classic issue that has now re-emerged as a new trend.
"This is an old crime but is being committed through a new method. This crime has long been committed in the community," the deputy national police chief pointed out.